If not, you have likely observed it in one form or another. The news is filled with reports of racism, homophobia, and xenophobia​—expressions of hatred based on race, sexuality, or nationality. As a result, many governments are passing laws against various hate crimes.

Hatred easily leads to more hatred. Victims of hatred often retaliate with revenge and fuel an ongoing cycle of hatred.

Perhaps you have experienced prejudice, stereotyping, ridicule, insults, and threats. Yet, hatred often goes further. It frequently erupts into cruel aggression, bullying, vandalism, assault, rape, murder, or even genocide.

This magazine will address the following questions and show how hatred can be conquered:

• Why is there so much hatred?

• How can the cycle of hatred be broken?

• Will there ever be a time when hatred will be gone forever?

What Is Hatred?

Hatred is an extremely strong dislike for or intense hostility toward another person or group of people. It is an ongoing feeling of ill will.

WHY PEOPLE START TO HATE

People begin to hate for many reasons. Hatred is often directed toward others, not necessarily because of what they do, but because of who they are. Those hated may be perceived as evil, intent on doing harm, or unable to change for the better. They may be viewed as inferior, as a threat, or as the cause of problems. Those who feel hatred toward others may have suffered violence, injustice, or some other event that caused hostile feelings to take root.

HOW IT SPREADS

A person can hate others without ever having had direct contact with them. For example, an individual may unconsciously adopt the biased views of those whom he respects and feels close to. Thus, hatred can easily spread and become the shared view of an entire group.

When we understand the pervasive nature of hatred, we can see why it has a hold on so many people. However, to break the cycle of hatred that grips our world, we must get to the very roots of hatred. Those roots are exposed in the Bible.

THE BIBLE REVEALS THE ROOTS OF HATRED

MALICIOUS HATRED DID NOT ORIGINATE WITH HUMANS. It started when an angel in heaven, who came to be called Satan the Devil, rebelled against God. The Devil “was a murderer when he began” his rebellion. As “a liar and the father of the lie,” he has continued to instigate hatred and aggression. (John 8:44; 1 John 3:11, 12) The Bible describes him as malicious, angry, and aggressive.​—Job 2:7; Revelation 12:9, 12, 17.

IMPERFECT HUMANS ARE INHERENTLY PRONE TO HATE. The first man, Adam, followed Satan’s sinful course. As a result, all humans have inherited sin and imperfection. (Romans 5:12) Adam’s first son, Cain, hatefully murdered his own brother Abel. (1 John 3:12) True, many humans display love and compassion. But because of inherited sin, multitudes are prone to show selfishness, envy, and pride​—qualities that fuel hate.​—2 Timothy 3:1-5.

HATRED THRIVES IN INTOLERANCE. The world we live in feeds hatred by promoting merciless and harmful attitudes and behavior. Intolerance, prejudice, insulting speech, bullying, and vandalism thrive because “the whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one,” Satan the Devil.​—1 John 5:19.

However, the Bible does more than merely expose the roots of hatred. It also points to the solution.

What It Means:

Jehovaha God does not judge us by our nationality, race, skin color, or culture. Rather, he focuses on what really counts​—what we are on the inside. Indeed, “mere man sees what appears to the eyes, but Jehovah sees into the heart.”​—1 Samuel 16:7.

What You Can Do:

Although we cannot read hearts, we can try to imitate God and view others impartially. Strive to see people as individuals rather than as groups. If you sense that you have negative feelings toward others​—perhaps those of another race or nationality—​pray to God and ask him to help you root out such feelings. (Psalm 139:23, 24) If you sincerely ask Jehovah to give you the strength to be impartial, you can be sure that he will listen to your prayer and help you.​—1 Peter 3:12.

What It Means:

Although it is natural to feel angry when we have been wronged, God does not approve of our taking revenge. Rather, he urges us to wait on him because he will soon right all wrongs.​—Psalm 37:7, 10.

What You Can Do:

When imperfect humans take revenge, it perpetuates the cycle of hatred. Therefore, if someone has offended or harmed you, do not retaliate. Try to respond peacefully and with restraint. In some cases, it may be less painful to let the matter go. (Proverbs 19:11) Of course, if there is some clear advantage, you may choose to address the problem. For example, in cases where you are the victim of a crime, you may choose to report the crime to the police or other authorities.

What if there does not seem to be a peaceful way to solve the problem? Or what if you have already done all you can to solve it in a peaceful way? Do not take revenge. That will likely make the situation worse. Rather, break the cycle of hate. You can learn to trust in God’s way of resolving the problem. “Rely on him, and he will act in your behalf.”​—Psalm 37:3-5.

What It Means:

The way we think matters to God. (Jeremiah 17:10) While we should avoid saying or doing anything hateful, we need to go further. The cycle of hatred begins in the mind and heart. Therefore, we must root out any hint of hatred from our thoughts and feelings. Only then can we truly “be transformed” and break the cycle of hatred.

What You Can Do:

Take an honest look at how you think and feel about others​—especially those of another race or nationality. Ask yourself: ‘How do I view them? Is my viewpoint based on what I personally know about them? Or is it based on prejudice?’ Avoid social media, movies, or entertainment that feature hatred and violence.

It is not always easy to evaluate our own thoughts and feelings objectively. But God’s Word can help us to “discern thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12) So keep examining the Bible. Compare its teachings with your thinking, and do your best to bring your thinking in line with what the Bible teaches. God’s Word can help us overcome hatred that is “strongly entrenched” in our mind and heart.​—2 Corinthians 10:4, 5.

What It Means:

Breaking the cycle of hatred is possible with God’s help. His holy spirit can produce in us qualities that we might never possess on our own. So rather than trying to overcome hatred in our own strength, we do well to rely on the help that God provides. If we do, we can have the same experience as the apostle Paul, who wrote: “For all things I have the strength through the one who gives me power.” (Philippians 4:13) Indeed, we will be able to say: “My help comes from Jehovah.”​—Psalm 121:2.

What You Can Do:

Pray to Jehovah, sincerely asking him for his holy spirit. (Luke 11:13) Ask him to help you display godly qualities in your life. Study what the Bible says about qualities that counteract hate, such as love, peace, patience, and self-control. Look for ways to cultivate those qualities in your own life. And associate with those who likewise try to develop such qualities. Such people can help “motivate [you] to love and fine works.”​—Hebrews 10:24; footnote.

GOD WILL ELIMINATE THE ROOT CAUSES OF HATRED

1. 1. SATAN THE DEVIL. Satan, the rebellious angel, is ultimately behind the hatred we see today. God will destroy Satan and all those under his hateful influence.​—Psalm 37:38; Romans 16:20.

2. 2. SATAN’S HATE-FILLED WORLD. God will eradicate all evil elements of this world, including corrupt politicians and religious leaders who stir up hatred. God will also eliminate the greedy commercial system along with its corruption and exploitation.​—2 Peter 3:13.

3. 3. HUMAN IMPERFECTION. The Bible explains that all humans have inherited imperfection​—the tendency to think, feel, and do what is wrong. (Romans 5:12) Harboring and expressing hatred for others is one of those sinful tendencies. God will help humans to conquer all such imperfect inclinations so that all traces of hatred will be removed forever.​—Isaiah 54:13.

THE BIBLE PROMISES A WORLD WITHOUT HATRED

1. 1. NO ONE WILL EXPERIENCE INJUSTICE. The world will be ruled by God’s Kingdom, a just and lasting government based in heaven. (Daniel 2:44) Prejudice and intolerance will not exist. God will correct all the injustices that people now face.​—Luke 18:7.

2. 2. EVERYONE WILL EXPERIENCE PEACE. No one will suffer as a result of violence or war. (Psalm 46:9) The earth will be a safe place occupied only by peace-loving people.​—Psalm 72:7.

3. 3. EVERYONE WILL LIVE FOREVER IN IDEAL CONDITIONS. All earth’s inhabitants will show genuine love of neighbor. (Matthew 22:39) No one will be distressed, not even by unpleasant thoughts or memories. (Isaiah 65:17) At that time, a hate-free human race “will find exquisite delight in the abundance of peace.”​—Psalm 37:11.

Do you long to live in a world like that? Even now, many people are learning to let go of hatred by applying Bible principles. (Psalm 37:8) That is true of the millions of Jehovah’s Witnesses around the world. Although they come from many different cultures and backgrounds, they enjoy a familylike bond of love and unity.​—Isaiah 2:2-4.

Jehovah’s Witnesses would be happy to share what they have learned about how to deal with injustice and discrimination. What you learn can enable you to replace progressively any trace of hatred with love. You can find out how to treat all people kindly​—even those who seem ungrateful or who show hatred. As a result, you will be happier now and your relationships with others will only get better. Above all, you will learn what you can do to live under God’s Kingdom when hatred will be gone forever.​—Psalm 37:29.

News and social media increasingly speak of hate speech, hate mail, cyberhate, and hate crimes. Consider, too, the countless acts of prejudice, stereotyping, ridicule, insults, threats, and vandalism. Victims of dehumanization and hatred are everywhere!

This magazine shows how the cycle of hatred can be broken. This is no mere fantasy. It is a real, lasting transformation that is already taking place worldwide.