“There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.” (Proverbs 6:16-19 ESV).
The apostle John wrote, “God is love” (1 John 4:8). Surely love is the chief trait of God’s character. Yet, the Scripture also teaches that God hates sin. Why? Because sin breaks our relationship with Him and with one another. God hates that which would threaten the relationship He desires with those He loves.
The Lord’s emotions are both infinite and pure. There is no “shadow of turning” (James 1:17) in Him. He loves and He hates. Both passionate extremes are red hot in Him, yet always under His righteous control. Our emotions are mere muddy rivulets compared to the raging torrent of His zeal. Do not make the mistake of limiting God’s love to a narrow band of syrupy sentimentality.
When we speak of God’s love, we must include the terrifying whole of His passion. His love covers the entire spectrum of feeling that produces both a heaven and a hell. Do not think to mute God’s full register of feeling by removing hate from its range. When we receive Christ as Lord and Savior, God’s love flows to and through us, so that we begin to love what He loves and hate what He hates. There is no inconsistency in this, for both extremes of feeling are present in Him.
PRAYER: Dear Father, we want to love what You love and hate what You hate. Fill us with Your Spirit and Your zeal this day. In Jesus’ name, amen.