**Is Hate a Sin?**

Yes, hate is a grievous sin.

**Why is Hatred Considered a Grievous Sin?**

Hatred is considered a grievous sin because it contradicts the Lord's greatest commandment to love and the commandment to "love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22:38-39; 1 John 4:2).  The neighbor is defined as anyone in need, as illustrated in the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37).

The act of hate is directly linked to the grave sin of murder. 

1 John 3:15 states, "Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer."

Moreover, harboring hatred means walking in darkness, which stands in opposition to a life of faith and love. Hatred and bigotry have no place within this framework.

If Jesus Christ were to return today again as a Middle Eastern man, would He be met with hatred and rejection by bigots and racists?

Bigotry and racism—the unfounded belief that one race is inherently superior to another—are grievously sinful for many reasons. Hatred toward others prevents individuals from truly loving anyone, including the Lord. 

This principle is clearly expressed in 1 John 4:20: "Whoever claims to love God but hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen."

Racism and bigotry violate the greatest commandments to love God and to love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:38-39). This leads to the "murder" of one’s own soul, condemning it to darkness (1 John 2:9, 11).

In addition to hate, racism also involves the sin of discrimination by showing favoritism and partiality. James 2:9 clearly states, "If you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors." 

Acts 10:34-35 emphasizes that "God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears Him and does what is righteous."

Ultimately, hate undermines our calling, for we are instructed to "love each other as I have loved you" (John 15:12) and to walk in the way, the truth, and the life, guided by the Holy Spirit toward the Lord's light.

🕊