Christian Perspective On Hatred

The last book of the Bible records a stinging rebuke to a church at Ephesus in Chapter 2. The apostle John, under the direction of the Holy Spirit writes letters to the leaders of seven churches. There are those who question whether these were written to real churches or were figurative in nature. I remind the reader that the Bible says in 2 Timothy 3:16. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: KJV.” No matter who they were written to this is valid teaching for us in this day. Over the last ten years the Holy Spirit has brought me back to that passage many times and in particular to the letter to the church at Ephesus. I was prompted to share this portion of Revelation 2 on the first night of our Elder’s Retreat in 1997. At the time I had no idea why I was so prompted to share it. But I did. As I read it I was actually hoping for someone to give some confirmation that it was right for that time. There was no confirmation. There was no indication of recognition from the group. That night I was disappointed. I had no idea why nobody else saw anything here. I knew there were ones there who were spiritual and heard from God. Today I am sure I know why I read the passage, it was for that time, and not a single one of us in that group were spiritual enough to recognize it. Read the passage with me.

Rev 2:1-7

1 Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;

2 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:

3 And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.

4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.

5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.

6 But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.