I began to have a particular interest in the word lately when I started to encounter it more and more frequently across campus. The Sexual Orientation Diversity Association, particularly, will use this word in many of their sidewalk chalk announcements. Such examples include “God can forgive your HATE,” a phrase that means well, but is certainly misguided. Also, along with many others who share my beliefs, I have been accused of being a “hater” of homosexuals, for example.
I have every reason to be offended at such blatant accusations. As is my custom, I will be honest with myself and search my own heart. Friends, I have searched every nook and cranny, and the conclusion that I’ve reached is the exact opposite of what my accusers claim.
I feel no deep enmity or extreme dislike towards the homosexual community or any other group of people. I may disapprove of homosexual behavior, but I certainly have no feelings that even resemble anything described in the definition above.
If I truly “hated” him as a homosexual, I would I have gone out of my way to be friendly to him and treat him like a human being? Or would I have made every effort to either avoid him like the bubonic plague or have a baseball bat handy for any encounters?
The intelligent reader will certainly associate the latter behavior with feelings of hatred and extreme dislike.
Despite the reasons to be upset at these obviously false accusations, I refuse to take offense to those who call me a “hater.” They are misguided and lack an understanding of the true definition of the word “hate.” Therefore, I will give them the benefit of the doubt in that regard. However, I will not hesitate to point out their hypocrisy to the world.
They are quick to say, “Don’t step on my toes!” but will gladly and falsely accuse me of hating another human being. They don’t want to be offended (and what offends them the most is to be told the truth), but they will be first in line to offend someone else.
Perhaps, it is they who harbor hatred in their hearts — hatred for anyone who disagrees with them or dares to tell them the truth. As the saying goes, it takes hate to know hate, right?
Nevertheless, to accuse me of hate would be similar to accusing me of murder.
If someone accused me of such, it would only be a false allegation, for I have done no such deed.
Who out there would not take offense to being wrongly charged for murder? Similar is the charge of hating one another.
If only the “would be” accusers would take time to get to know me, they might realize my incapability of hatred. However, if they choose to live in blind ignorance, then that is their personal decision.
I can only show the truth in love, but each person must decide whether or not he or she will accept it. Regardless, don’t hate me. I’m just the messenger.