When I was young, I noticed children next door walking to church on Sunday. I didn’t know the word “Blessed” then. But they sure seemed special. Loved. They dressed in comely clothes, not fancy- not clothes that create class distinctions. Just pleasant and happy to look at.

I would say how they looked reflected who they were inside. Not proud, important people in their own estimation. Just genuinely joyful people who were eager to share that happiness with others. Little girls wore colored dresses and ribbons in their hair. Everyone was kind, polite, and well-behaved.

From my window, I became conscious of my ‘otherness.’ The Adversary of my soul starting saying since my youth that I was bad. “God loves them because they are good. But not you because you are bad.”

Transformation from innocent child to horrible one was gradual. That’s what happens when children grow up watching MTV. Hell’s message of lawless rebellion all to catchy music!

But, what I did not understand at 8 years old is that the distinction between me and those children I call “Blessed” and beloved, wasn’t my fault. God didn’t hate me. But, the Adversary sure did.

Anyhow, I am grateful to know the Father didn’t hate me. I was not inherently a bad child who deserved hatred.

When I behaved horribly, things went badly for me. This is not a reflection of the Heavenly Father’s lack of love. Rather, it is an expression of love. God gives human beings free will. We can be our own agents and make our own choices when we get older. But we are free to make wrongs choices, too.

That I experience the fruit of my own ways and suffer the consequences of poor choices is a reflection of love. It is painful. Humiliating. But, God commands us to love because hate destroys.

Sheep are beloved. And goats hate. But they don’t have to.

God doesn’t say he hates anyone or that anyone (including innocent 8 years olds) is destined for eternal separation called “Hell” in the Bible. That is the Adversary’s destination. Like a devouring monster, he destroys anyone in his path. So, Satan must be constrained.

The Adversary hates people, tries to influence my decisions and helped me make very bad ones as a young person. Then, he claims God is the originator of all my suffering! Not him and not me.

Thank God for Jesus who frees us from the Evil One’s hate, fear, and lies!