By Jim Mettenbrink
In answering the question about what is really important in life, we have been considering a lawyer’s inquiry to Jesus – “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”(Luke 10:25). Jesus’ response was a story about the Good Samaritan, the Jews’ arch enemy. Jesus stated the lesson for the lawyer and every person who wants to inherit eternal life in His well-known sermon on the mount –“But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you” (Luke 6:27-28).
Hate, what a word that is bandied about so carelessly today. In this time of so much angst folks are quick to slam you as a hater if you do not agree with them, on just about every subject. Such has been fostered by those in government or positions of governmental influence want so-called “hate laws.” They have pushed God out of His throne and when they deem necessary accuse you of a hate crime. For the most part that means they can read your intent, motive yea, read your mind. The fact is they are redefining hate in order to inject tyrannical control into the justice system. The Southern Poverty Law Center’s website states, they “…tracked 1,225 hate and extremist groups in 2022.” Who determined that? SPLC did.
Last week, SPLC pontificated that Mothers for Liberty” a parental rights advocacy as an extremist hate group (domestic terrorists). A WSJ op-ed (June 11, 2023) revealed that “The SPLC map could lead to a government crackdown on you — your ability to question school officials, testify at school board meetings, or be involved in what curriculum your child is being taught.” In short, the SPLC asserts you the parent have no right regarding what your child is taught in school. To do so makes parents guilty of hate. From on high where the SPLC sits, they read the mothers’ hearts. Say hello to the self-appointed.
However, the Bible declares there is only one who can read the intents of a person’s heart. In Israel’s King Solomon’s temple dedication prayer, he acknowledged that it is God alone, that He “…give to every one according to all his ways, whose heart You know (for You alone know the hearts of the sons of men)” (2 Chronicles 6:30; re: 1 Kings 8:39). Indeed, King David, Solomon’s father declared to His administration that, “…the Lord searches all hearts and understands all the intent of the thoughts….” (1Chronicles 28:9; Re: Jeremiah 17:10). More on hate next.