HOW TO BREAK THE CYCLE OF HATRED
4 | Conquer Hatred With God’s Help
Bible Teaching:
“The fruitage of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, mildness, self-control.”—GALATIANS 5:22, 23.
What It Means:
Breaking the cycle of hatred is possible with God’s help. His holy spirit can produce in us qualities that we might never possess on our own. So rather than trying to overcome hatred in our own strength, we do well to rely on the help that God provides. If we do, we can have the same experience as the apostle Paul, who wrote: “For all things I have the strength through the one who gives me power.” (Philippians 4:13) Indeed, we will be able to say: “My help comes from Jehovah.”—Psalm 121:2.
What You Can Do:
“Jehovah has transformed me from a violent man to a peaceable one.”—WALDO
Pray to Jehovah, sincerely asking him for his holy spirit. (Luke 11:13) Ask him to help you display godly qualities in your life. Study what the Bible says about qualities that counteract hate, such as love, peace, patience, and self-control. Look for ways to cultivate those qualities in your own life. And associate with those who likewise try to develop such qualities. Such people can help “motivate [you] to love and fine works.”—Hebrews 10:24; footnote.