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<...Go back

Can you comment on hate?


Introduction. The biblical subject of "hate" is a terribly misunderstood subject. Many believe hate is always wrong. Yet, God hates certain things (Prov. 6: 16-19). The Christian is actually commanded to hate: "...Abhor that which is evil..." (Rom. 12: 9). The truth of the matter is "hate" is to occupy a place in the heart just as "love" is. However, hate must be properly directed.

Hate properly directed. We are to hate (have a strong aversion toward) every false way (Ps. 119: 104). A false way is that which is contrary to the way (John 14: 6) taught in the scriptures (Ps. 119: 104, 105). False doctrine, then, is a proper object of our hate (Rev. 2: 6, 2 John 9-11). Evil or iniquity is to be hated, "The fear of the Lord is to hate evil" (Prov. 8: 13). Those who hate covetousness prolong their days, the wise man wrote (Prov. 28: 16). We are also to disdain lying (Prov. 13: 5, Rev. 21: 8).

Hate improperly directed. We must not hold knowledge in contempt (Prov. 1: 22, Hos. 4: 6). Some, unfortunately, hate good (Mic. 3: 2, John 3: 20). We should never have strong resentment toward true peace (Ps. 120: 6). Those who hate reproof are "brutish," wrote Solomon (Prov. 12: 1). Moreover, we must not experience animosity toward our enemies. Hear Jesus: "Ye have heard that it hath been said, thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, love your enemies..." (Matt. 5: 43, 44).

Conclusion. As you can see, hate can be good or bad depending on its application. Not a few sinfully hate. Too many today, though, do not hate enough! This "everything is right and nothing wrong" age in which we live certainly fosters a distorted "love" and prevents scriptural hate. As we have also seen, God's word is the source for directing our hate.
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