Question: "Mr. McLemore, I have a classmate who seems to hate me simply because I will not let him have his way. How do you suggest I deal with this?"

Answer: First, realize that there are people who hate others for no cause beyond the fact that they do not get their way. Such people are extremely proud, and they believe the world revolves around them. They are threatened by anyone who will not recognize their perceived superiority. Jesus was hated because he did not acquiesce to the desires and expectations of such people. (John 15:24, 25). Jesus did not seek to overcome their hatred. Attempts to diffuse their hatred when it was manifested only intensified it. He could not do the only thing that would have eliminated their hatred, viz., to conform to their will. He knew that he was proceeding as he should, and he did not let their hatred influence his course (John 6:38). Seek to follow Jesus’ teaching and example when others hate you because of their own pride: "...Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you" (Luke 6:27, 28).