“Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.” Proverbs 10:12 (NIV)
On the 30th anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing, Oklahoma held somber commemorations. The ceremony remembered the victims and the impact of the tragedy. The bombing occurred at 9:02 AM on April 19, 1995. A horrific bombing ripped through the city, claiming 168 lives and injuring 680. A trail of destruction impacting countless lives and businesses, along with $652 million in monetary damage, followed the blast. Untold thousands suffered deep, emotional wounds because of the Murrah Building bombing. The scars of the past remained, but life slowly pulsed back into Oklahoma City as it recovered. However, the memory of the victims, their lives extinguished in this act of terrorism, served as a solemn vow that we would never forget.
Hatred Felt in Dallas
My husband and I, both University of Oklahoma graduates, have always adored the vibrant energy and unique character of Oklahoma City. We lived in Dallas, and the day of the bombing, the city felt heavy with a sense of unease. The blast’s impact resonated for us even in Dallas, where the somber news of colleagues lost at my husband’s agency brought a heavy silence. In Oklahoma City, for three weeks after the bombing, he provided help as needed. Overpowered by the appeal of Oklahoma City and our favorite college team, we moved back in 2007.
Hatred Destroys
Proverbs 10:12 (NIV) illustrates how hatred, such as the kind that fueled the devastating OKC bombing, ignites conflict. Hatred leaves a trail of destruction and pain. The bombing, a horrific act fueled by hatred in the hearts of the perpetrators, resulted in a trail of innocent blood, including many children. Hatred is a destructive force that consumes everything in its path. The Bible counters hate’s ugliness by presenting love as a beacon of hope and empathy, a complete opposite.
We find a striking difference when the NIV Bible mentions “love” 551 times, significantly more than the 80 mentions of “hate,” emphasizing the biblical theme of love over hatred. In the Bible, God’s messages about love significantly outweigh mentions of hate. Because of Christian faith, a life of selfless love reflecting God’s grace is our calling, no matter the circumstances. Peter grasped the profound meaning of loving one’s enemies. Peter’s question to Jesus in Matthew 18:21-22 (NIV) is: “Lord, how many times should I forgive my brother when he sins against me?” With a gentle yet resolute tone, Jesus said, “I tell you, not merely seven times, but seventy times seven.”
Love Wins Over Hatred
The devastation of the OKC Bombing is still so vivid, but only through love and forgiveness can we truly heal. If we do not confront and overcome our hatred and anger, it will consume and destroy us from within, just as it devoured the bombers, leaving behind only bitterness and ruin.
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:21 (NIV).
Lord, we pray you would eradicate hatred from our hearts and minds, and from the hearts of others. Replace the anger, bitterness, and resentment with compassion, empathy, and understanding. Help us see the beauty and potential in every individual, regardless of their background or beliefs. May we be filled with your love and grace, so that we may be instruments of peace and reconciliation in this world. Amen.
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Yvonne M. Morgan is a Christian #author, #blogger, and #speaker. #BibleGatewayPartner
Matthew 28:19 “Therefore, GO and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”
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Those horrid memories are still vivid for me too, Yvonne. The act was so unbelievable as it did reflect what hate can do. God’s love is the only power that can transform a life and keep us all from falling into this trap of the devil.
Amen Barbara. I’m always shocked to see the effects of hatred. Thank God he can change hearts. Blessings to you
Love like Jesus. Remember His love. Blessings.
Amen Melissa and blessings to you
It’s important for us to remember these tragedies so we can work to prevent future occurences. We can all have a part in eliminating hate by sharing love, praying, and sharing the light of Jesus with others. Thank you for this reminder.
Thanks Katherine. We all must do our part to share God’s love to those who hurt and are full of rage. God bless
Hard to believe it’s been 30 years since the bombing. I’ve heard neuroscientists/Lysa Terkeurst say that we remember events that we have an emotional tie to. It may be joy, trauma, surprise or grief. That’s why most of us never forget, nor should we, events that birthed from hatred and caused so much loss. I pray to love like Jesus and let it keep hatred at bay in my heart and life.
That makes sense. It is stuck in our brains. We’ve had too many such awful events so we need to all help spread the love of Christ. Thanks Karen and God bless
Thank you for the reminder of this horrible event. My children were young and innocent and it was a hard thing to find the words to help them process it. Love the positive take-away your post provides.
Thanks Candace. It is so hard to understand how someone can have so much hate. Only God can change our hearts. Blessings
I remember all of what you shared. Only God can love someone from where they are to where they need to be when they have such hatred.
Yes He can. Thanks Jimmie and God bless
We lived in OKC in 1986-’87 and were shocked by the bombing. Can’t believe it’s been that long. Appreciated hearing it from your perspective.
Thanks Debbie. It’s hard to believe so much time has passed. Blessings
Amen to this: “Hatred is a destructive force that consumes everything in its path. The Bible counters hate’s ugliness by presenting love as a beacon of hope and empathy, a complete opposite.” Thank you for this. Let us never forget what happened in Oklahoma City.
So very true Jessica. We can’t let hate win the battles when we have the love of Christ to share. Blessings
What a heartfelt remembrance and message, Yvonne. Thank you for bringing this back to our minds and hearts, so we can remember how destructive hatred is. Lord Jesus, give us a heart like yours for this hurting world.
Amen. May we fight hatred with God’s love everywhere we find it. Thanks Melissa and God bless.