In any given moment, a nail, a scourge, a bitter cup, or a hammer's blow may appear to win. A good life breathes its last breath. Hatred's way of getting back at people is almost unbelievable. It can, in the name of right, produce the greatest wrongs. Hate can seduce, but it cannot convince.
Hate can manipulate, but it has no power to create trust or commitment.
That's the scene on Friday at the cross. Love, on the other hand, has the power to endure. Reviled, love does not return the same. Hurt, it does not retaliate. Bruised and defeated on a cross, love proves victorious.