45. Is Jesus Teaching Us to Hate?

Great crowds were travelling with Jesus, and he turned and addressed them, “If anyone comes to me without hating his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:25–26

Following the striking opening line from our Lord, Jesus wraps up today’s Gospel with the statement, “In the same way, any of you who does not renounce all his possessions cannot be my disciple.”

At first glance, this seems to suggest that we must not only give up everything we own but also harbour hatred towards our family members.

But is this really what our Lord intends? Let’s explore the concept of “hating” our family and even our own lives.

Clearly, the term “hate” in this Gospel passage does not equate to the sin of hatred or anger. One Church Father, discussing this verse, notes that there are instances in which the most loving response to someone can manifest as a kind of hate.

Specifically, if someone becomes an obstacle to God, leading us away from the will of our Lord, it is essential to firmly express our “hatred” for their actions. Yet, this response is rooted in love.

Choosing not to turn away from God by rejecting someone’s disordered actions can be a way of sharing the Gospel with them. Let’s consider an extreme scenario.

Imagine living in a time and situation where being a Christian is illegal. You are arrested and ordered to publicly renounce your faith. Instead, you defiantly reject that command with all your strength. In this instance, you are expressing a form of holy “hate” toward the persecution being inflicted upon you.

However, this also acts as a gesture of love, as you completely repudiate their action by rejecting their command.

Complete Abandonment

The closing line of today’s Gospel calls us to renounce all our possessions. This means we must let go of anything to which we are attached that goes against God’s will.

Certainly, in God’s providence, most people—except for those who take a vow of poverty—are invited to have possessions to meet their material needs.

However, even in this situation, we must “renounce” everything we own, which means we should not become attached to anything but God. This is true freedom.

Even if you have many belongings, it’s essential to recognise that they don’t bring you happiness.

Only God and His will can truly fulfil you—nothing else can. Therefore, we must learn to live as if God alone is sufficient.

If it is God’s will for you to have a house, car, computer, television, or other modern conveniences, then so be it.

However, true “renunciation” of these possessions means that if you were to lose them at any point, it would not matter. This embodies perfect detachment; the loss of material things should not hinder you from loving and serving God and His holy will.

Reflect

Take a moment today to reflect on these profound words of Jesus. Strive to understand them as our Lord intended.

Work on detaching yourself from anything that opposes God’s will or hinders your relationship with Him.

Ultimately, having God alone is more than you could ever desire. It is only by fully embracing our merciful God that you can truly love yourself and others with the pure heart and love of Jesus.

Prayer

Lord, You call each of us to a life of radical holiness. You wish for me to love You above all else, with all my heart. Please grant me the grace and wisdom to let go of anything that obstructs my love and service to You. May You alone be glorified in my life. Jesus, I trust in You. Jesus, I love you- Amen.

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I’m Paula Rose Parish — a former atheist of 21 years, Protestant pastor for over 40 years, and now a Catholic convert. After a powerful encounter where Jesus audibly called me to follow Him, my life was forever changed. I’ve ministered across Australia, the USA, and the UK, and today, I share my journey of faith, hope, and transformation.

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