Hate On Him. Not Each Other.

This isn't my usual Dulci Sweets message.

Today, I want to talk about hate.

Only for a minute, because frankly, it doesn't deserve much more of our time or energy.

Spend thirty seconds scrolling social media and you'll see it everywhere.

Someone tearing down this person. Somebody attacking that one. People who have never met treating each other like enemies.

And with today being Election Day, I suspect we'll see even more of it.

I'll tell you something. I find it exhausting.

Not because I don't have strong beliefs or convictions. I absolutely do.

But because I've come to believe we're directing far too much of our energy at the wrong opponent.

What if all that anger and hostility were aimed at the one who actually deserves our resistance?

The devil.

Think about it.

That voice reminding you of your worst mistakes when you're trying to move forward.

The whispers that you're not good enough, worthy enough, or capable of becoming who you were created to be.

The pride that keeps you from making that phone call to your brother, your father, or an old friend when you know a relationship needs healing.

The bitterness that turns disagreements into broken relationships.

Scripture offers a powerful reminder in Ephesians 6:12:

"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood..." (NIV)

In other words, people aren't the enemy.

Not your neighbor. Not your coworker. Not the person who sees the world differently than you.

And certainly not someone simply because they cast a different vote.

The real battle, from my perspective, is against the forces that rob us of peace, divide families, destroy relationships, and convince us that tearing someone else down somehow makes us stronger.

So here's my encouragement for today.

Put the devil in the dirt.

Not with more hatred toward people, but by refusing to give bitterness and division another victory.

Make the call. Extend forgiveness. Speak with kindness. Stand firmly for what you believe without losing respect for someone who believes differently.

This isn't easy, I know. But, we know it's truth and the right thing to do.

And yes, exercise your right to vote today. Let your convictions guide your choices, not contempt for your fellow Americans.

Imagine what might happen if we invested more energy into loving people than fighting them.

We might discover that the most powerful way to defeat darkness is to stop giving it room in our lives.

Hate the evil. Love the people.

That's a battle worth fighting.

Your friend,

Brock

P.S. Before today is over, think of one person you could encourage, forgive, or reconnect with. A simple message or phone call might accomplish more good than a hundred angry words ever could.