“Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.” -Proverbs 10:12

It is so easy to hate. I watch the news and I find my soul twisting and turning and grief welling up inside. Yes, hate stirs up strife, and there are certainly things we can hate without distorting our souls too badly. I hate lies. I hate abusive behavior and ugly words. But love – God’s love – calls me to lay the cold steel of hate upon the altar and let God transform them into plowshares and pruning hooks. Then God invites us to take up those implements of peace and prepare the soil to receive seeds of grace and hope, joy and comfort, peace and justice.

God, you know how easy it is for me to hate. I can rationalize my bitterness and justify my words and actions, but I also know you have called me to come to a higher place, as a friend – indeed, as your very own child!. Help me live into that vocation so that your love will cover all my transgressions. Amen.
-Keith Axberg