Can A Christian Live In Hatred Or Bitterness And Still Be Saved?
Q: If a professing Christian repeatedly expresses hatred toward another believer and lives in ongoing bitterness, does this call their salvation into question?
A: I can’t say categorically that such a person has lost their salvation, but it certainly presents a warning sign. It’s possible. I have a pretty generous view of how messed up a person can be and still be saved. Christians differ on this, and the Scriptures don’t give us a precise understanding. They give us a general understanding of it, of course, but not a precise one.
So, how much hate can a believer harbor towards another person, before you would say, “Well, you’re not a believer”? Is it saying I hate you four times, five times, 10 times? Or is this an issue of the heart which we can’t exactly see from the outside and only God knows? Yes, that is what I think.
The Bible does not give us a precise formula to enable us to tell from the outside in. But if a believer knew this person, and if the person was open to talking to somebody, then a believer should sit down with them and say, “I’m concerned for your soul. You seem to harbor hatred in your life. I certainly can’t say whether you’re saved or not saved. You certainly claim to be a believer. But the hatred you harbor in your heart is a true danger signal.” That’s how I would put it. How can we tell from the outside in? But if the situation became concerning enough, it would be appropriate for a believer in that person’s life to speak to them directly about it in a loving way.