Hate Is Not An Option

"Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth." 3 John 2

We live in a world that often teaches that the best way to get ahead is to sabotage the other guy. Some misguided souls will even pray against your success and well-being. That's why it is good to know that we serve a God who rewards those who care about others. In the 3rd chapter of the Book of 1 Kings verses 5-15, God appears to King Solomon in a dream. In the dream, God says to Solomon, "...Ask what I shall give thee." (1Kings 3:5) Instead of going through a laundry list of items he wanted for himself, he instead asked God for something else. "Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?" (1 Kings 3:9) Solomon had a one on one audience with God and his only thought was for the people he was assigned to lead. He didn't ask God to make them all obey or to strike down those who rebelled, instead he asked for an "understanding heart to judge thy people". God was so moved by Solomon's request, that He blessed him far more than he could have ever imagined. "And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches , and honour: so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days." (1 Kings 3:13) God rewards those who pray for and serve others. Therefore let not your heart be troubled by the actions of others, continue to pray to God and do God's will. Just remember Jesus' promise to those who follow Him. "And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's, But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life." Mark 10:29-30