For unsolvable problems

The key to solving any problem is to understand what it is, to identify its cause and source, and to recognize whether or not it is humanly solvable. Some problems simply have no human solution and can only be solved by the infinite power and wisdom of the one and only sovereign, holy, righteous and eternal creator God. Hate would fall into this category because it is a symptom of the root problem, which is sin within the human heart, and only God can deal with sin or change a human heart.

An added twist to the problem is that sin and hate are not limited to human beings. We are not alone on this planet. We have a very powerful enemy: Satan, the greatest hater of all. Satan hates all human beings because we are so precious to God. We are created in His image, infinitely loved by Him and, unlike Satan, we have the hope of salvation and an eternal home with God if we choose it through repentance of sin and trust in Jesus.

More than 500 years ago Martin Luther wrote in his great hymn, “A Mighty Fortress is our God,” the words “for still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe; his craft and power are great and armed with cruel hate, on Earth is not his equal.” It is true. Not one of us could win a one-on-one battle with Satan. But God can and will at the end of this age.

So, sadly, hate is here to stay until God returns to destroy and remove all sin and evil from the face of the Earth. Sadly, for a time, hate actually does have a home here in Kirkland and all over the entire world. No place will ever be truly safe until Jesus comes again. All that we human beings can do concerning hate is choose our side; God or Satan, good or evil, Heaven or Hell, love or hate, life or death. We will have to struggle with sin and evil in the world around us until Jesus returns, but we can choose to rid our individual hearts of it by repenting of our personal sins and trusting in Him.

I hope that all those who disagree with me will understand that this letter is not specifically addressed to them to cause offense. It is addressed to my fellow believers to encourage them to greater love, patience, prayer and good works. I know that not everyone agrees with me and only hope that we can all stay calm and celebrate our city’s wonderful diversity of opinion and freedom of speech and thought.

Jane E. Peterson

Kirkland