Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Context:Dislike, in a biblical context, refers to a feeling of aversion or distaste towards someone or something. It is important to distinguish between dislike and hatred, as the latter is a more intense and sinful emotion. Dislike can arise from differences in personality, values, or actions that are contrary to one's beliefs or preferences.
Biblical References and Examples:While the Bible does not explicitly use the term "dislike," it addresses related emotions and attitudes that can be associated with it. The Scriptures provide guidance on how to manage such feelings in a manner that aligns with Christian teachings.
1.
Interpersonal Relationships: The Bible acknowledges that conflicts and disagreements are part of human relationships. In
Ephesians 4:31-32 , believers are instructed to "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you." This passage encourages Christians to overcome negative feelings, including dislike, through kindness and forgiveness.
2.
Love and Unity: Jesus emphasized the importance of love and unity among His followers. In
John 13:34-35 , He commands, "A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another." This directive challenges believers to rise above personal dislikes and to love others as Christ loves them.
3.
Judgment and Discernment: Dislike can sometimes stem from judgmental attitudes. In
Matthew 7:1-2 , Jesus warns, "Do not judge, or you will be judged. For with the same judgment you pronounce, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." Christians are called to exercise discernment without falling into the trap of unjust judgment, which can lead to unwarranted dislike.
4.
Overcoming Dislike: The Bible provides practical advice for overcoming feelings of dislike.
Romans 12:18 advises, "If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone." This verse encourages believers to strive for peace and reconciliation, even when personal feelings of dislike arise.
5.
The Role of Prayer: Prayer is a powerful tool for dealing with negative emotions.
Philippians 4:6-7 states, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Through prayer, Christians can seek God's help in transforming their hearts and attitudes.
Theological Implications:Dislike, when left unchecked, can hinder spiritual growth and the witness of the Christian community. The Bible calls believers to a higher standard of love and forgiveness, reflecting the character of Christ. By addressing feelings of dislike through prayer, forgiveness, and intentional acts of love, Christians can maintain unity and demonstrate the transformative power of the Gospel.
Topical Bible Verses
Romans 3:1-9:33What advantage then has the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision?
Topicalbible.org
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
v. t.) To regard with dislike or aversion; to disapprove; to disrelish.
2. (v. t.) To awaken dislike in; to displease.
3. (n.) A feeling of positive and usually permanent aversion to something unpleasant, uncongenial, or offensive; disapprobation; repugnance; displeasure; disfavor; -- the opposite of liking or fondness.
4. (n.) Discord; dissension.
Library
Translated by the Rev. ...
... When men, then, give way to adislike simply because they are entirely ignorant
of the nature of the thing disliked, why may it not be precisely the very sort...
What are we to Think of It, that Most People So Blindly Knock...
... Goodness is of less value than hatred of Christians. Well now, if there is
thisdislike of the name, what blame can you attach to names?...
A Gluttonous Man and a Winebibber
... But He is rejected like the other. What is the cause of thisdislike that
can look two different ways at once? Not the traits that...
Still Another Triplet
... The world knows goodness when it sees it, though it often hates it, and has no better
ground for itsdislike of a man than that his purity and beauty of...
The Eighth Beatitude
... characters. Their relations to it are those of peace-bringers, reconcilers;
its to them are those of hostility anddislike. Blessed...
Extracts from Mr. David Laing's Preface.
... She died on the 17th of November 1558, and her successor regarded the authors of
those works with the utmostdislike; although neither of them, in their...
Preparation for Advent
... False preachers willdislike that man, because he wishes to make sinners
uneasy, while they wish to make them easy. Philosophers...
The Realization of Selfless Love
... Where hatred,dislike, and condemnation are, selfless Love does not abide. It
resides only in the heart that has ceased from all condemnation....
The Moods of Mr. George Moore
... Mr. Moore does notdislike so much being asked to believe in the spiritual existence
of miracles or sacraments, but he does fundamentallydislike being asked...
Advent Lessons
... Men have certainly grown more good-natured, in some countries, in that theydislike
more than their ancestors did, to inflict bodily torture on human beings...
Thesaurus
Dislike (1 Occurrence)... 1. (vt) To regard with
dislike or aversion; to disapprove; to disrelish. 2.
(vt) To awaken
dislike in; to displease.
...Dislike (1 Occurrence).
...Hatred (30 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary. (n.) Strong aversion; intensedislike; hate; an affection
of the mind awakened by something regarded as evil. Int....
Hate (177 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) To have a great aversion to, with a strong desire that evil should befall
the person toward whom the feeling is directed; todislike intensely; to...
Quarrel (22 Occurrences)
... 9. (n.) Ground of objection,dislike, difference, or hostility; cause of dispute
or contest; occasion of altercation. 10. (n.) Earnest desire or longing. 11....
Know (8133 Occurrences)
... relation the intellectual act is necessarily conjoined with the element of affection
and will (choice, love, favor, or, conversely, repugnance,dislike, etc.)....
Knowledge
... relation the intellectual act is necessarily conjoined with the element of affection
and will (choice, love, favor, or, conversely, repugnance,dislike, etc.)....
Nicolaitans (2 Occurrences)
... though seemingly hard, in that it prevented the Christian communities from joining
in public festivals, and so brought upon them suspicion anddislike, was yet...
Loathe (19 Occurrences)
... 1. (vt) To feel extreme disgust at, or aversion for; to hate. 2. (vt) Todislike
greatly; to abhor; to hate. 3. (vi) To feel disgust or nausea....
Grudge (11 Occurrences)
... 4. (vi) To feel compunction or grief. 5. (n.) Sullen malice or malevolence; cherished
malice, enmity, ordislike; ill will; an old cause of hatred or quarrel....
Forbidding (6 Occurrences)
... 2. (a.) Repelling approach; repulsive; raising abhorrence, aversion, ordislike;
disagreeable; prohibiting or interdicting; as, a forbidding aspect; a...
Resources
What is the institutional church? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the definition of enmity? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about misanthropy? | GotQuestions.orgDislike: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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