Today is Holocaust Remembrance Day. Just want to share two things.

The first made me sad. This week, after writing an article about the inappropriate nature of Jewish jokes, a writer friend of mine was attacked by people who hate Jews via the interwebs. The vicious troll comments, the reviews of her article by hate groups–it’s crazy. I won’t post any links their crap, but anti-Semitism is still alive and kicking, here and around the world. This troubles me greatly–people so devoted to hatred.

Do you hate anyone? You may not be a neo-Nazi, but do you harbor hatred in your heart? I know many people who call themselves Christians but seem to hate certain politicians (Obama), certain people groups (gays, immigrants, specific minority groups), or even people who lean differently politically (conservatives or liberals). Even if we don’t use the word “hate” we are often known more for what we are against than what we are for. The conversation on this blog is often about spiritual formation. And nothing forms your spirit more than the things you love, and hate.

Friends, don’t hate.Don’t let your spirit be formed by hatred. And even the haters–don’t hate them. People so full of venom and hatred make me sad. And curious: what is a person’s story, what is so broken in them, that they can be so cruel and hate-filled? But hating the haters would only make it worse. As it is written, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”  (Romans 12:21).

And this (an appropriate quote for any day, but especially this one):

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” (Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.)

Something that gives me hope, on the other hand, is this post from my friend Tim Fall, who serves the state of California as a judge. His blog today reminds us of what the role of judges should be, and how the judges in Germany during the Third Reich “forgot” some of the basic rules of justice–and were later convicted of war crimes. Read his post, which offers the unique perspective of someone who holds the job of judge, and who is trying to drive out darkness with light.

Today, remember. Do not allow hatred to flourish, in your heart or in the world. “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.” Therefore, live as children of light.