God Didn't Make Us to Hate Us
“Immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight.” (Acts 9:18)
“A farmer went out to sow his seed…” (Matthew 13:1–9)
I have been reflecting on the powerful message, “God Didn't Make Us to Hate Us,” inspired by the book of the same name by Rev. Lizzie McManus-Dail. It is a reminder that God's love is the foundation of our faith, and hatred has no place in the life God desires for us. Too many of us are given a fear-based Faith as children and then as adults we are tempted to give up on God, the Church and Faith. However, we can be loved by Jesus and love God without accepting a hate-filled or abusive theology (belief system) that condemns and punishes us for just being human. Like the seed sowed by the Sower, the love of God falls upon our hardened and broken hearts and peeps up like dandelions in the cracks of the concrete. We were made to love and enjoy God forever. God did not make us to hate us.
“A farmer went out to sow his seed…” (Matthew 13:1–9)
I have been reflecting on the powerful message, “God Didn't Make Us to Hate Us,” inspired by the book of the same name by Rev. Lizzie McManus-Dail. It is a reminder that God's love is the foundation of our faith, and hatred has no place in the life God desires for us. Too many of us are given a fear-based Faith as children and then as adults we are tempted to give up on God, the Church and Faith. However, we can be loved by Jesus and love God without accepting a hate-filled or abusive theology (belief system) that condemns and punishes us for just being human. Like the seed sowed by the Sower, the love of God falls upon our hardened and broken hearts and peeps up like dandelions in the cracks of the concrete. We were made to love and enjoy God forever. God did not make us to hate us.
The scales fall
In Acts 9:18, Saul experiences a life-changing encounter with Christ. The scales fall from his eyes, and for the first time he truly sees. His heart is transformed from one driven by fear, violence, and persecution to one overflowing with grace and loving purpose. God did not create Saul to live in hatred; God created him to become Paul, a faithful disciple who would share the good news of Jesus with the world. We all are created for grace and love.
Broken soil welcomes the seed
Jesus offers another powerful image in the Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:1–9). Seeds flourish where the soil is ready to receive them. Often, we think brokenness is something to hide or overcome before God can use us. Yet broken soil is exactly what allows new life to take root. Cracked earth absorbs the rain. Broken soil welcomes the seed. The same is true for our hearts.
Each of us carries wounds, disappointments, regrets, and losses. We are all broken in one way or another. Yet our brokenness is not a barrier to God's love—it is often the very place where God's grace begins its deepest work. When our hearts are softened by humility, compassion, and repentance, the seeds of love, forgiveness, and hope can grow into a rich harvest. Jesus can heal us from the pain of the past and use us to be a blessing to others.
Rev. McManus-Dail reminds us that God did not make us to hate one another because every person bears the image of God. Hatred blinds us, just as Saul was once blind. Love, however, opens our eyes. It helps us see our neighbors not as enemies but as beloved children of God. As followers of Christ, may we ask God to remove whatever scales remain from our own eyes. May God break open the hardened places within us so that the seeds of the Gospel can take root and flourish. Let us become people who sow kindness instead of division, mercy instead of judgment, and love instead of hate.
— Pastor William
Each of us carries wounds, disappointments, regrets, and losses. We are all broken in one way or another. Yet our brokenness is not a barrier to God's love—it is often the very place where God's grace begins its deepest work. When our hearts are softened by humility, compassion, and repentance, the seeds of love, forgiveness, and hope can grow into a rich harvest. Jesus can heal us from the pain of the past and use us to be a blessing to others.
Rev. McManus-Dail reminds us that God did not make us to hate one another because every person bears the image of God. Hatred blinds us, just as Saul was once blind. Love, however, opens our eyes. It helps us see our neighbors not as enemies but as beloved children of God. As followers of Christ, may we ask God to remove whatever scales remain from our own eyes. May God break open the hardened places within us so that the seeds of the Gospel can take root and flourish. Let us become people who sow kindness instead of division, mercy instead of judgment, and love instead of hate.
— Pastor William
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