A volcano goes through a 3 step process before an eruption occurs. First, magma which forms when part of the upper or lower mantle begins to melt, creating a buoyancy. As this pressure from dissolved gases builds, a new batch of magma enters a chamber already filled to capacity. The next stage involves melting rock inside the earth, where its mass remains the same, but the volume increases. The lighter magma is forced to the top of the earth’s surface through buoyancy. Finally, when the density of magma becomes less than the overlying and surrounding rocks, magma reaches the surface, erupting through a vent forming a volcano to explode.
Hatred within the human soul takes a similar course. However, the magma is equivalent to envy and or jealousy. When envy or jealousy is conceived, hatred is born within the hearts and minds of individuals. When the person or source of anger maintains daily contact with an afflicted soul, hatred expands, like buoyancy, rising to the surface in the form of discord, gossip and slander. If the density of hate causes a conscience to rationalize retaliation, hatred will erupt, leaving behind an onslaught of crime and murder in its wake as demonstrated by the violent deaths among teenagers living in Chicago.
This pattern is also found in Genesis 37:1-11. When Joseph’s brothers recognize they are not their father’s favorite, jealousy emerges. As Joseph rubs salt into their wounds a verse later, Genesis 37:5, sharing a dream of God’s blessing on him, their hatred spreads. Not knowing when to stop when he is ahead, Joseph continues to boast of God’s favor on him, resulting a plot to kill him in Genesis 37:18. At least this story has a happened ending, when big brother Reuben persuades the clan to throw Joseph in an empty well to teach him a lesson. However, Jesus taught us long ago that hatred is equal to murder during his Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5:21-22. Therefore, don’t let anger dwell within you, Ephesians 4:26-27. Let God flush your emotions before hatred erupts once again.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 