HATE OR INDIFFERENCE

PRACTICE: What is the opposite of love?

“Hate is the opposite of love,” would undoubtedly be most people’s first answer. Think again and think deeply. In my opinion, there is an emotion far worse than hating someone or something. Hate implies that the hater sees the object and recognizes it as something worthy of a deep emotional response. I believe the opposite of love is sheer indifference at its purest level…having no particular interest or sympathy toward the object. When one is indifferent toward another person or thing, the object is diminished to nothingness…not worthy of an emotional response…its presence is of no consequence. This indifference is deeper than the often uttered, “I don’t care.” I believe that the proverbial fine line referred to when we speak of love and hate, also exists between hate and indifference. I would rather you hate me than be indifferent to me any day.

I have struggled with this concept so let me see if I can give an image to what I mean. Most of us claim a love of our body, mind and spirit, putting time and effort into making and keeping them strong and healthy. Someone who hates their body or has been traumatized because of their body, may respond by developing unhealthy habits that demonstrate a strong emotion… i.e. overeating or other excessive behaviors.

What does indifference to my physical and spiritual wellbeing look like on a simplistic level? I am indifferent when I give no thought to what I consume (physically and mentally) and its effect on my body and mind. My consumption is driven by convenience and satisfaction of immediate of hunger or thirst. Hours spent watching TV and living life vicariously through the antics of the rich and famous demonstrate an indifference to expanding my horizons through reading and interaction with others in my community. I am indifferent to my inner personal growth when I fail to develop the habit of finding time to spend with me. In other words, I say I love me, but my actions say that I am indifferent…I have no particular interest or concern for the real me.

Rev. 3:15 - I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other.

PONDER THIS THOUGHT – Indifference -is it an emotion or not?