« Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs. »(Proverbs 10:12)
Introduction
Brothers and sisters in Christ, We live in a world marked by deep wounds—ethnic, tribal, and religious.
In many families and communities, people are trapped in a never-ending cycle of resentment, revenge, and rejection of others.
What is even more heartbreaking is that this hatred is often passed down to children as an inheritance, a « torch » they are expected to carry proudly.
But what does the Bible say about this?
Does God approve of this way of life?
Is this the path of those who claim to be children of God?
1. God’s Heart Rejects Division
Hatred, revenge, and division do not come from God.
These are works of the flesh, signs of a heart far from the Lord.
Galatians 5:19-21 tells us that divisions, hatred, jealousy, quarrels, and the like will keep us from inheriting the Kingdom of God.
God never intended for humans to be separated or opposed to one another because of their differences.
Acts 17:26 says, « From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth. »
This means we all have a common origin. We are one humanity, and in Christ, we are called to live in peace.
2. Transmitting Hatred Is Cursing Your Own Offspring
Exodus 34:7 says God “punishes the iniquity of the fathers on the children.”
This does not mean God is unjust, but rather that He reveals a spiritual truth: When parents teach hatred, they bind their children to their own downfall.
When you tell your child:
“Don’t associate with people from that tribe.”
“That group is our enemy.”
“One day, you must avenge our ancestors.”
You are not teaching wisdom. You are not teaching faith.
You are teaching hatred, division, and destruction.
Ezekiel 18:20 reminds us that every soul is responsible before God. A child can break the cycle. And so can you.
3. God calls us to love, forgiveness, and reconciliation
Romans 12:17-19 says, « Do not repay anyone evil for evil… ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord. »
God does not call us to become agents of vengeance or tribal revenge. He wants us to be peacemakers, to bring light instead of extending darkness.
Matthew 5:9 says, « Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. »
A true child of God does not love only their own tribe or group but loves even their enemies.
« Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. »(Matthew 5:44)
4. You Can Choose to Break the Cycle
You do not have to repeat your parents’ story. You do not have to teach hatred to your children. You can choose love, truth, and peace.
Joshua 24:15 says, « As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord. » That also means: « As for me and my household, we will reject hatred, vengeance, and division. »
Conclusion: A call to reconciliation
Beloved, if you were raised in tribal, ethnic, or religious hatred, God is calling you today to repentance.
If you have taught these things to your children, it is not too late to teach them another way—the way of God’s love.
The cross of Jesus Christ reconciled all people.
At the cross, there is no Hutu or Tutsi, no Jew or Gentile—there is one people of God.
Prayer
Lord, forgive me if I have harbored hatred in my heart. Deliver me from all ethnic, tribal, or religious division. Help me teach my children the way of love and peace.
Make me an instrument of reconciliation, not conflict. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Apostle Dr. Jean-Claude SINDAYIGAYA