In our journey through life, we often encounter moments where our actions and thoughts seem to stem from a place of righteousness. We justify our anger, debates, and competitive spirit as necessary or even godly. But what if these behaviors are manifestations of “the flesh,”?
Today, let’s delve into the intricate web of human emotions and actions, specifically focusing on hatred, variance, and emulations – three interconnected works of the flesh that can subtly infiltrate our lives and relationships. The Bible speaks candidly about these impulses, referring to them as the “works of the flesh” (Gal. 5:20). Among these, hatred stands out as a particularly insidious force that can corrupt our hearts and lead us down a destructive path.
The Progression of Hatred
As we delve deeper into the works of the flesh, we see a clear progression that often begins with hatred:
- Variance: This refers to disputes, disagreements, and controversy. In our modern context, we might think of heated arguments on social media or bitter family feuds that tear relationships apart.
- Emulations: While emulation can sometimes be positive (like striving to follow a good example), in this context it refers to a negative rivalry or competition, often with the desire to bring others down.
- Wrath: The culmination of hatred, variance, and emulations often results in wrath – violent anger or vehement indignation that seeks revenge.
This progression shows us how quickly our hearts can spiral from initial feelings of dislike or resentment to full-blown rage and destructive behavior.
Hatred: The Root of Discord
At its core, hatred is an intense aversion or hostility towards someone or something. While it’s natural to experience moments of anger or frustration, unchecked hatred can fester and grow, poisoning our thoughts and actions. The danger lies not just in the immediate emotional turmoil it creates, but in the ripple effects it can have on our lives and relationships.
Consider the story of Esau and Jacob from the book of Genesis. After Jacob deceived their father to steal Esau’s blessing, we’re told that “And Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing wherewith his father blessed him . . .” (Gen. 27:41). This hatred didn’t just stop at an emotional response – it led Esau to contemplate murder, saying in his heart, “The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then will I slay my brother Jacob.” This progression illustrates a crucial truth: unchecked hatred often leads to more egregious sins.
This biblical account serves as a stark warning: unchecked hatred can escalate quickly, leading us to contemplate actions we would never have thought ourselves capable of in calmer moments. Even in cases where hatred doesn’t lead to violence, it can poison our relationships and cloud our judgment. In Leviticus 19:17, God commands, “Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart.” This directive underscores the importance of addressing hatred at its root, before it can take hold and grow.
Variance: The Fruit of Discord
As hatred festers, it often gives birth to variance – a state of disagreement, controversy, or discord. In our modern world, filled with social media debates and polarizing issues, variance is rampant. But is engaging in these conflicts truly productive or spiritually beneficial?
The Bible cautions us against getting caught up in unnecessary debates and arguments. In Titus 3:9, we’re instructed to “avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.” This verse reminds us that not every disagreement needs to be addressed, and not every argument needs to be won.
It’s crucial to discern between standing up for truth and engaging in superfluous contention. While we should always be ready to defend our faith, we must also recognize when debates become unproductive and driven by fleshly desires rather than a genuine search for truth.
Emulations: The Competitive Spirit
Closely related to variance is the concept of emulations. While emulation can have positive connotations – such as imitating good examples – in the context of works of the flesh, it takes on a more sinister meaning. Emulations, in this sense, refer to a competitive spirit driven by envy and a desire to outdo others.
The apostle Paul provides an interesting perspective in Romans 11:14, where he speaks of provoking his fellow Jews to emulation. Here, Paul uses the concept positively, hoping that his ministry to the Gentiles will inspire his kinsmen (Israel) to follow Christ. This demonstrates that emulation itself is not inherently wrong; it’s the motivation behind it that matters.
However, when emulation stems from envy or a desire to suppress others, it becomes a work of the flesh. We see this negative form of emulation in Acts 13:45, where the Jews, filled with envy, spoke against Paul’s teachings. Their competitive spirit led them to contradict and blaspheme, rather than consider the truth of the message.
The Deceptive Nature of The Flesh
As we examine these works of “the flesh” – hatred, variance, and emulations – a common thread emerges: the deceptive nature of our fleshly desires. It’s alarmingly easy to justify our actions, to convince ourselves that our anger is righteous, our arguments are necessary, and our competitive spirit is healthy. One of the most dangerous aspects of hatred and its related works of the flesh is our ability to justify them. We often convince ourselves that our anger is “righteous” or that our disputes are necessary for standing up for what’s right. However, we must be extremely cautious with this line of thinking.
This self-justification is precisely why we must be vigilant in examining our motivations and actions. The apostle Paul’s words in Philippians 3:4-6 serve as a poignant reminder of how even zeal, when misdirected, can lead to destructive behavior. Paul recounts his pre-conversion life, highlighting his zeal in persecuting the Jewish Kingdom church of early Acts – a stark example of how what we perceive as righteous fervor can be deeply misguided.
The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, reminds us that “the carnal mind is enmity against God.” The flesh, left unchecked, is inherently opposed to God’s ways. This means that even when we think we’re acting out of righteous indignation, we may be allowing “the flesh” to deceive us.
Instead of quickly justifying our anger or hatred, we should pause and allow others to help us discern whether our reactions are truly justified or if they’re stemming from our fleshly impulses and desires.
Practical Steps for Overcoming Hatred
- Self-Reflection: Regularly examine your heart for signs of hatred, variance, or wrath. Be honest with yourself about your motivations and feelings.
- Scripture as a Mirror: Use the Bible as an objective standard to measure your thoughts and actions. Let God’s word be the lens through which you view your behavior, not your feelings or justifications.
- Seek Wisdom from Others: Don’t be quick to justify your anger or hatred. Instead, seek counsel from trusted friends or spiritual mentors who can offer an outside perspective.
- Practice Forgiveness: Remember that forgiveness is not just for the benefit of others – it’s a powerful tool for freeing yourself from the burden of hatred.
- Focus on Love: Actively look for ways to show love and kindness, especially to those you might be tempted to dislike or resent.
- Prayer and Meditation: Spend time in prayer, asking God to soften your heart and help you see others through His eyes.
The Path Forward: Self-Reflection and Spiritual Growth
So how do we guard against these deceptive works of the flesh? The key lies in honest self-reflection and a willingness to measure our thoughts and actions against the objective standard of God’s Word.
When we feel hatred rising within us, we must pause and consider its source. Is it truly righteous indignation, or is it a fleshly response to perceived wrongs? When we find ourselves embroiled in arguments, we should ask whether we’re genuinely seeking truth or simply trying to prove ourselves right. And when we feel the competitive urge to outdo others, we must examine our motivations – are we striving for excellence to glorify God, or are we driven by envy and pride?
Moreover, we should be wary of quickly labeling our anger or competitive spirit as “righteous.” Instead, let others be the judge of whether our actions are justified. This approach requires humility and a willingness to receive correction – qualities that are essential for spiritual growth.
The Choice Before Us
Every day, we’re faced with choices that can either feed the works of the flesh or nurture the fruit of the Spirit. Hatred may feel powerful in the moment, but it ultimately leads to destruction – both of ourselves and our relationships.
Instead, we’re called to a higher standard. We’re invited to embrace love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance (Gal. 5:22-23). These qualities not only reflect God’s character but also lead to a life of true fulfillment and positive impact on those around us.
As we navigate the complexities of human relationships and the challenges of daily life, let’s commit to being vigilant against the subtle inroads of hatred. By recognizing its early signs and actively choosing love and reconciliation, we can break free from the destructive cycle of “the flesh” and embrace the abundant life God intends for us.
Remember, the power to overcome hatred doesn’t come from our own strength, but from surrendering to God’s word. As we yield to His Spirit, we’ll find ourselves increasingly able to respond to life’s challenges with grace, compassion, and wisdom – becoming beacons of light in a world that desperately needs it.
Pastor Bryan Ross
Grace Life Bible Church
Grand Rapids, MI
March 14, 2025
Resources For Further Study
58) Galatians 5:20 The Works Of The Flesh, Part 3 (Hatred, Variance, Emulations) (YouTube Video)
What Is The Flesh? (Blog Article)
The War Within: Understanding the Flesh and the Spirit (Blog Article)
The Works of the Flesh: A Spiritual Checklist (Adultery, Fornication, Uncleanness, & Lasciviousness) (Blog Article)
The Works of the Flesh: A Spiritual Checklist, Part 2 (Witchcraft) (Blog Article)