Disarm Hate

Tuesday, September 2, 2025

Good morning, Lord

Father in Heaven, I seek You first-the knowledge of Your kingdom and Your righteousness. Fill my consciousness constantly and complete Your joy in me as I take up my cross and follow...In Jesus' name…

Memory verse: Jeremiah 15:19 ESV

Therefore thus says the Lord: “If you return, I will restore you, and you shall stand before me. If you utter what is precious, and not what is worthless, you shall be as my mouth. They shall turn to you, but you shall not turn to them.” 

Verse of the day: Psalm 119:64

64 The earth, O Lord, is full of your steadfast love;    teach me your statutes!

Daily reading:  Psalm 137-139 1 Corinthians 13

Disarm Hate

We are talking about disarming someone socially. There is so much insecurity that is felt by the world of the enemy. That is such a big tool of his. If people feel insecure, they do one of two things. They either withdraw and try to isolate or they try to overcome their insecurity by dominating. There are many levels of this but I want us to think about simple human interactions. We have talked before of the newscast that told of a death at at convenience store. Two men met at the payout and looked at each other and one did not like the way another looked at him. Confrontation ended in murder by gunshot-true story.

With very few exceptions, I believe that Jesus always had a welcoming face. I believe Jesus was a relief to meet on the road. I think He lived with a smile for all humanity because He had perfect love. I believe He looked at a person and saw what they could be and not what they appear.

Maybe it is hard to carry a smile always, OK...but kind or positive words of greeting can be learned-especially as the Holy Spirit changes us day to day.

This is disarming. If some folks always feel threatened in the world, disarm their demeanor. Give them a reason to relax with kind words and gestures. Let the living water flow their way(John 7:38).

No, it will not always work but at least you have extended the love of Christ to them. Them you cannot control. But you can always recognize that God goes in front and behind you(Isaiah 52:12) and you can always be conscious of the Holy Spirit’s control.

When you disarm someone with kindness, you have done all you can do to remove a chance for hate. It may happen anyway but you have done your part.

“And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?” (Matthew 5:47)

Learn how to greet strangers and enemies. Learn how to love your enemies in public-with a smile or a calm attitude. This starts in the presence of God as you pray for them right after you pray for yourself to be able to look at the person for who God can make them instead of what they appear-you know-as Jesus did.

Tell Him how you feel about these thoughts. Tell Him you have a hard time loving your enemies and you want your heart to change.

...because He loves you, He will do it…

Father in Heaven,

I want to learn to praise You with all I am. I want to know Your kingdom and the desire to do Your will. Give me today what You know I need. Forgive me for giving in to my insecurities. Give me victory over evil.

Loving and patient God,

In the name of Christ Jesus,

Amen