Fellow Christians, How do you fight hatred when it forms in your heart?

[libsaretards]

We are human the same as non-believers and feel the same emotions, yet Jesus puts a higher calling and higher way of living on our lives to be the light of the world. We are called to combat the hate of our enemies and this world in general with love. What is it that helps you fight this battle when you feel yourself slipping? What are your checks and balances to protect your hearts? Feel free to share.

[Leonharted]

I'm not a Christian, but I was raised catholic and adopted the philosophy of stoicism, and that particular philosophy has quite a bit of overlap with Christianity.

Basically, you shouldn't focus on the things that are outside your power. You can control your thoughts and your body, and very little else. You can get angry that somebody wronged you, or that some powerful person is doing something you don't like. But when you are focusing on that, you're focusing on something you don't control, and can't control. Being angry about what's already happened doesn't let you go and change the past. Furthermore, focusing on it distracts you from focusing on the present, which you DO have control over. And you have a duty to be the best person you can be every minute of every day. That requires focus. Therefore, distractions like the past should be minimized to the greatest extent possible.

So let go of what you can't control, and focus with all of your heart on what you can.

[Honestguyopen]

Honestly there are some things even God himself hates. If you consider what the Bible says about what love is and isn't that can help. Also praying for the fruit of his spirit. Recognize that christ died for all so that we may live, and without question.
Also remember if we want forgiveness from God we must be forgiving. Example is the slave who owed much and was freed of debt, then turned on his fellow slave and put him in prison for a small debt.
Then you can think of the health benefits. A calm heart is life to the soul.

[RolandCuthbert]

Haha!!! Dude asks a question about Christians and hate, while having the handle "libsaretards".

[Anonymous]

The short answer is you have to make it a habit. The long answer is gaining of understanding. Keep looking for the answers, you'll find them. Mark them wherever you see them.

[Cubus]

I think about God, and if he would be pleased by my actions or no.

[OddBeMe]

Understanding human behavior and why we get these emotions.