The Torah forbids one to hate others, as it is stated: “You shall not hate your brother in your heart” (Leviticus 19:17). Aside from obvious displays of animosity, this prohibition even includes hatred that is repressed and is not expressed outwardly. Several practical halakhot are derived from this commandment:

If one feels hurt by something another person said or did, he should approach that individual, share his feelings, and even ask: “Why did you do that to me?” or “Why did you say such and such about me?” This obligation is learned from the verse: “You shall rebuke your neighbor” (Leviticus 19:17). In other words, one should be open with the other person and point out the severity of his actions. If the offender expresses sincere regret and asks for forgiveness, the victim should be gracious and accept the apology.

If one asked a favor from a friend and was rejected, and after a while the tables turned and the friend who refused him was in need of help himself, he should not hold a grudge against his friend and remind him: “When I asked for your help, you rejected me.”

When someone sees a person doing something that could be viewed in two ways, one positive and the other negative, he must judge the other favorably and adopt the positive interpretation.

Further reading: For more on judging favorably, see A Concise Guide to the Sages, p. 438.