Haters Gonna Hate

I recently posted some verses on Facebook and appreciated the encouraging comments from kindhearted family and friends. My post was in response to a hateful e-mail from someone – I was hoping that the verses might help others dealing with “difficult” people, but in the end, I had “Facebook regret” and felt like I had said too much.

“Stay away from (anyone) who is unloving and unforgiving; (who) slanders others and has no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good.” (II Timothy 3:3) I have been trying to wrap my head around how to “stay away from” someone while at the same time walking in love and forgiveness towards them. Reading Matthew 5:44-46 from The Message sheds some light on the subject: “Love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer.”

Because my situation involves a family member, I was drawn to the story of David and Absalom. Imagine having to hide from your own son because he is trying to kill you. But, in spite of this evil plot against him, David continued to love Absalom. His prayers for restoration of the relationship were never answered, but his deep love for his son was evident in his devastation upon hearing of Absalom’s death. (II Samuel 18:33) For me, the challenge lies in continuing to love even if the relationship is never restored.

Psalm 3 was written when David was trying to escape Absalom’s advances. David responded with the “energies of prayer.”

O Lord, I have so many enemies; so many are against me.

So many are saying “God will never rescue him!”

But You O Lord, are a shield around me; You are my glory,

The One who holds my head high.

Victory comes from You, O Lord.

May You bless Your people. (vs. 1-3; 8)

There are times when we find truth in unlikely places. I don’t listen to much pop music, but Taylor Swift’s song “Shake It Off” helps add some levity to my current situation, as I seek God’s help in responding to “haters.”

“And the haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate, hate

Baby, I’m just gonna shake, shake, shake, shake, shake

I shake it off, I shake it off!”

With God’s help, I can “shake it off” and love my enemies. “You’re kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you.” Matthew 5:48 MSG