I know the word “hate” conjures strong reaction. On the surface, it appears ungodly. Like it is something to avoid, since “God is love.” Yet, the Bible assures us that our compassionate, loving Savior hates with a holy hatred.
In the case of abortion, God hates the hands that shed innocent blood. There are 6 other abominations that He cannot abide. Proverbs 6:16-19 reveals, “These six things the Lord hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil,
a false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren.”
The older I get, I must confess there is a certain hatred that grows deep within my bosom. Though I love God’s creation and agree with Him that “it is very good,” I hate our fallen condition and what this world in rebellion to God and His loving, just rule does to people made in His image.
The stench of sin, sickness, and death fills my nostrils and how I long to be liberated from this body of death. I hurt inside to witness day after day the depravity of man and the onslaught of the Evil One, who has come to kill, steal, and destroy. I find my self weeping over our wretched condition.
Jesus declared, “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple” (Luke 14:26).
Obviously, the Lord is huge on the importance of family in the spreading of His Kingdom, but an important truth must be communicated. If we are to be faithful disciples of our great King, our love for anything or anyone else in this world, including those who are nearest and dearest to our failing hearts, should appear as hate in comparison to our love for God.
As a flawed Christian man, I was never intoxicated about the thoughts of heaven or spent much time day dreaming about it’s glories. I just wanted to be a good soldier of my Lord to advance His Kingdom in the earth, since that it is the only solution that can end the suffering and the inhumanity of man against man.
I must admit recently, I’m starting to turn my eyes and heart heavenward. I’m beginning to long to be with the “Desire of all nations,” our glorious Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! I want to behold Him, to hold Him, if possible. I don’t want this separation anymore. I want to be joined to Him forever with the promise of no more tears, no more sorrow, and no more pain.
Till that time, let us commit to love what God loves and hate what He hates. It is the key to his anointing that destroys the yoke and sets the captives free. Keep pressing on saints to the high call and prize in Jesus’ name!