I read the following verse in my devotions this morning:

He who conceals his hatred has lying lips,
and whoever spreads slander is a fool. (Proverbs 10:18)

Most proverbs contrast a good with a bad (or a bad with a good). You can easily spot it because the two halves are joined with the word “but.”

But in this proverb the two halves are joined with an “and.” Instead of contrasting a good with a bad, we are given two “bads” instead.

In other words, when you hold hatred in your heart, you lose either way. You’re a liar if you hide it, and if you speak up, you’re a fool.

So, what’s the solution? You need to get rid of it.

Paul got it right in Ephesians:

Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (Ephesians. 4:31–32)

The only way to win with bitterness, anger or rage is to get rid of it. The only way to get rid of it is to forgive. The only way to truly forgive is through Jesus Christ.

Jesus said, “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven” (Luke 6:37). It’s not easy to forgive, but it’s so much better than holding on to your hate or anger.

When you hold on to hate, you’re either a liar or a fool. So, time to give it up! “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”