The past two editions of Observations have been, if not political in nature, at least triggered by news from the world of politics (presidential behavior at a state funeral, and presidential pardons of the unsavory sort).  Thinking about what to write in this week’s post, I promised myself that I would not refer to presidential politics.  What, then?  Officiating in the NFL?

But I can’t help myself.  I came across a comment by Donald Trump that got me thinking.

At one of the many executive order signing events last week, a reporter asked the president about a critical comment made by Elon Musk regarding an announcement about funding for the president’s Stargate AI project.  “Were you bothered by the criticism?” the reporter asked.  “No, no,” President Trump answered.  “The people in the deal are very, very smart people.  But Elon, one of the people he happens to hate.”  Then he added, “But I have certain hatreds of people too.”

The interview moved on quickly to China and any leverage the Chinese might have with Russia in terms of ending the war in Ukraine.

But I haven’t moved on from his last comment.  I have been thinking about the president’s confession of his certain hatreds.  Mr. Trump was candid, blunt, as he can be. CNN’s report on the comment was typical: “Trump shrugs off Elon Musk’s criticism of AI announcement.” The world’s richest person, the world’s most powerful person, you, me – we all have certain hatreds of people.  Shrug.

And just to maintain my bipartisan perspective, I will mention what has been described as a “cool” relationship between Joe and Jill Biden and Nancy Pelosi regarding whatever role Ms. Pelosi played in President Biden’s decision to withdraw from his re-election campaign.  Being typically less candid and blunt than President Trump, the former first lady told reporters Pelosi’s role “was disappointing.”  Insider stories indicate Mrs. Biden is “nursing a grudge.”  Might it be a certain hatred?

So, is hatred among the power elite and everyday people like us so common as to be met with a shrug?  Are we to be excused for our malicious thoughts and feelings, our grudges and our certain hatreds, because we can do no other?

Yes, we understand, relate to, having certain hatreds and bearing grudges.  But shall we shrug at such hatreds and grudges?  A shrug is not sufficient for a follower of Jesus, Jesus who said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’  But I say to you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…” (Matthew 5:44)

The Apostle Paul admonishes us to “hate what is evil.” (Romans 12:9) We are not granted permission to hate those who are evil.  It sounds trite to say so, but when we sense a certain hatred growing, begin to nurse an ugly grudge, we don’t simply shrug, we are to pray for those who, yes, are our enemies, those who seek our harm and hurt.

More praying, less shrugging.