Hating Your Brother in Your Heart: A Biblical Call to Love

“Do not hate your brother in your heart.” Leviticus 19:17 Hatred is a dangerous emotion that corrupts the heart and distances us from God’s will. It starts subtly—often as unchecked anger—and if left to fester, it grows into bitterness, resentment, and eventually sin. Scripture warns against harboring hatred, as it leads to division, destruction, and ultimately, spiritual ruin. Yeshua emphasized love as the true mark of His disciples, calling us to overcome hatred with forgiveness and grace. We must guard our hearts against hatred and strive to love as the Father commanded, reflecting His light to the world.

How Anger Leads to Hatred

Anger, in itself, is not inherently sinful. There are times when righteous anger is justified, particularly when confronting injustice and evil. Even Yeshua expressed righteous anger when He overturned the tables of the money changers in the Temple (Matthew 21:12-13). However, anger that is rooted in pride, misunderstanding, or selfishness is dangerous and leads to destruction. Yeshua addressed this directly in Matthew 5:22:

“But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of judgment.”

This passage warns against unjustified anger, which, if left unchecked, festers into hatred. When we allow anger to take root, it distorts our perception of others, making it difficult to see them through the lens of love. Proverbs 10:12 states:

“Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all sins.”

Hatred divides families, ruins friendships, and erects barriers between people. It blinds us to the humanity of others, leading us to justify sinful actions such as gossip, slander, and even violence. That is why James instructs us to “be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry” in James 1:19. Unchecked anger provides an opportunity for the enemy to sow seeds of discord and destruction in our hearts. We must take proactive steps to resolve conflicts and prevent anger from turning into hatred.

The Torah’s Warning Against Hidden Hatred

The command to avoid hatred is not a new teaching introduced by Yeshua—it is deeply rooted in the Torah. Leviticus 19:17 instructs:

“You shall not hate your brother in your heart; you shall surely rebuke your neighbor, and not bear sin because of him.”

This verse reveals an important truth: harboring hatred is a sin in itself. Instead of suppressing anger and allowing it to grow into bitterness, God commands us to address conflicts directly and seek reconciliation. This principle aligns perfectly with Yeshua’s teaching in Matthew 18:15:

“Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother.”

Avoiding confrontation often leads to resentment, but open and honest communication fosters healing and restoration. The biblical model encourages reconciliation over retribution, emphasizing love as the higher calling.

The Mark of a True Disciple: Love Overcomes Hatred

Yeshua set an unmistakable standard for His disciples—one that prioritizes love above all else. In John 13:35, He declared:

“By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

True discipleship is not measured by religious knowledge, rituals, or appearances but by the love we show to others. Love is an active choice that requires humility, patience, and sacrifice. Paul beautifully describes this kind of love in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7:

“Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”

If we claim to follow Yeshua yet harbor hatred in our hearts, we contradict His teachings. Love is not merely an emotion—it is a commandment. In Matthew 22:37-39, Yeshua summarized the entire law in two great commandments:

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’”

Hatred has no place in the heart of a believer. If we claim to love God, we must also love our brothers and sisters, as stated in 1 John 4:20:

“If someone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen?”

Overcoming Hatred Through Forgiveness

Forgiveness is the antidote to hatred. One of the greatest examples of forgiveness is Yeshua’s response to those who crucified Him. As He hung on the cross, suffering unjustly, He prayed in Luke 23:34:

“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.”

If Yeshua could forgive His executioners, how much more should we be willing to forgive those who wrong us? Holding onto bitterness only harms us, while forgiveness sets us free.

Forgiveness does not mean condoning sin or ignoring wrongdoing, but it does mean releasing resentment and allowing God to be the ultimate judge. Proverbs 20:22 states:

“Do not say, ‘I will recompense evil’; wait for the Lord, and He will save you.”

When we forgive, we align ourselves with God’s will and demonstrate the power of His love.

Do Not Hate Your Brother: Choose Love Over Hatred

Hating your brother in your heart is not a trivial matter—it is a serious sin with eternal consequences. Yeshua warned that unjustified anger leads to judgment, and the Torah commands us to address conflicts rather than harbor resentment. As believers, we are called to choose love, pursue reconciliation, and walk in forgiveness.

The world is filled with division, anger, and bitterness, but we are called to be different. By choosing love over hatred, we reflect the heart of Yeshua, the heart of the Father, and bear witness to His transforming power. Let us examine our hearts, seek reconciliation where needed, and commit to living in the love that Yeshua has shown us by example. Only then can we truly be His disciples and bring light into a dark world.

Do Not Hate Your Brother: Did Yeshua Introduce a New Teaching or Restore an Older One?

Some people believe that Yeshua elevated the commandment to love one’s neighbor to a deeper, heart-level command against hatred. In Matthew 22:39, Yeshua reaffirms the second greatest commandment:

“You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

However, what if Yeshua had access to an older version of the Ten Commandments that explicitly stated, “Do not hate your brother in your heart”? This would mean that rather than introducing a new teaching, He was restoring a truth that had been lost or obscured over time. For more details, check out my article. It is entitled Hating Your Brother: Teachings of Yeshua & the Moses Scroll.

Next Steps

To explore the fascinating history of the Moses Scroll, read The Moses Scroll by Ross K. Nichols. This book delves into the origins. It covers controversies. It also explores the implications of what may be the oldest version of the Ten Commandments known today. Available on Amazon, it offers a compelling look at this ancient text. You can draw your own conclusion about its connection to the teachings of Yeshua. Don’t miss the opportunity to examine this remarkable discovery for yourself.

If you found this discussion insightful, be sure to check out my other articles on faith, health, and wholesome recipes. I explore biblical teachings, practical ways to incorporate faith into daily life, and healthy living tips, including nourishing recipes that align with a natural, God-honoring lifestyle. Whether you’re looking to deepen your spiritual journey, improve your well-being, or find new ways to enjoy healthy, homemade meals, there’s something for you. Stay connected and continue exploring these important topics!

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