I Was Reading the News Today

I was reading the news today. Specifically, the comment sections.

This is what I read.

Regarding a 15-year old captured terrorist who was convicted solely on circumstantial evidence. (A slight oversimplification, but his story isn't significant to the point of this post.)

"I fervently pray that this product of conception is tortured and killed by another prisoners while incarcerated. The sooner the better. He and his family are dispicable creatures."

"This is why you don't take prisoners. Should have killed him on the spot."

"I won't be terribly surprised to hear of ACLU offices being bombed before long. In fact, I might just applaud such efforts."

"[He] should have been executed when he was first captured."

"They need to change the policy in the field regarding the taking of low-level operatives as prisoners. There's no benefit in capturing and prosecuting guys like this. Two shots center mass and one through the head should be the standard method of disposition in the field for enemy combatants."

"A firing squad is too good for him. He should be beheaded and dragged thru the streets. However, turning this POS to a pink mist by firing squad accomplishes the same thing: Justice."

The above is but one example of what can be read in the news every day.

Let's assume, for a moment, that he's actually guilty. Is hate the proper response? Does murder merit this?

Yes, he did bad things. But all I can feel is pity and compassion. I feel for him, because life led him to make bad choices. But anyone who's lived knows we've all made bad choices. No, they weren't bad to the extent of murder, but we all know how little it takes to end up on a bad path in life.

I feel awful for the family of the murder victim.

And finally, I feel awful for all the people out there, who allow a simple murder to spin themselves into a whirlwind of hatred.

Murder is bad. Hating the murderer changes nothing except the person who hates. It is not healthy to store up that much hate inside of yourself. Hate the crime, not the person.

But to take it further, I fear for the future of the world.

Forgiveness is a memento of the past. In politics, any one misstep is enough reason to force a resignation. The same philosophy is spreading out into workplaces and relationships. No forgiveness, no mending brokenness: just hatred.

So much hatred... my heart breaks at seeing it all. What a world will we be living in 20 years from now?

Why do people hate?