It is possible to hate and despise a person, and not give any outward evidence of it. Nevertheless, hatred is sin (1 John 2:9-11). He who hates hurts himself most of all.

 Christ said, “If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him” (Luke 17:3; see also Matt. 18:15-17). Paul says, “Them that sin rebuke before all” (1 Tim. 5:20); “rebuke them sharply” (Titus 1:13); “rebuke with all authority” (Titus 2:15).

 The last three statements refer to the responsibility of ministers, but Christ’s advice in Matt. 18:15-17 is applicable to all. It is equally wrong to entertain hatred in the heart and to withhold rebuke. The rabbis taught that he who does not reprove an offender shares in his sin, and that it would be better for him to throw himself into a burning furnace.