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From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: Some of us have been having a discussion about our emotions, and how they can damage us. In your opinion which emotion is more harmful -- anger or hatred? We couldn't agree, although I know both can be destructive. -- D.D.

A: Yes, both are destructive, and it would be hard to say if one is more destructive than the other. In fact, they often go hand-in-hand: hatred almost always leads to anger, and anger almost always leads to hatred.

The real problem, however, is that both anger and hatred are seldom just inner feelings or emotions that we keep bottled up inside us. Instead, they almost always spill over into actions -- and those actions are always destructive, both to us and to others. Even if we don't lash out and hurt someone physically, angry or hateful words can destroy a relationship. The Bible rightly says, "Hatred stirs up conflict" (Proverbs 10:12).

Does God ever get angry, or does He ever hate? The answer may surprise you -- because the answer is "yes." But God's attitude is far different from ours, because it comes from His hatred of sin. God loves us, and He knows the terrible things sin does to us -- and that makes Him angry. Perhaps you've heard the old saying that "God hates the sin, but He loves the sinner."

The real question, however, is this: Have you allowed the sin of hatred or anger to take root in your soul? The only lasting cure is to allow Christ to rule you, and to let His love fill your heart and mind every day. Make sure of your commitment to Christ, and then ask Him to give you a new love for others -- even your enemies. The Bible says, "Be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble" (1 Peter 3:8).

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)

(c)2018 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.