“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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