When we get into a defensive posture toward those who disagree with us religiously, we can very quickly find ourselves looking to destroy their argument, destroy their faith, and even destroy their reputation. The Pharisees and the supporters of Herod were bitter enemies. Yet their common hatred of Jesus brought them together to plan what is evil. Hatred and a hard heart go together. Both lead to death — not necessarily the death of the target of our hate, but our own spiritual death. When we find ourselves siding with others who dislike us and when we find ourselves scheming to do what we know is evil, we must immediately be open to God and ask him to change our ways. We must seek his wisdom and his insight into the situation.