Hate Has a Place
Key Verse to Read and Treasure
And a time to hate (Ecclesiastes 3:8, ESV)
For Insight
When we are part of God, and he is part of us we will love as he loves: unconditionally. We will also hate what he hates. In fact, hating what God hates is also confirmation that we are one with him.
God hates sin, but he also hates injustice, hypocrisy, and abuse, lying, cheating, and murder.
Like love, hate has a place in our life and faith, it can be a righteous activity in our life. Like love, hate is not an emotion to be felt or expressed violently towards others but a force that is able to remove barriers and effect change. Hate can be used for the purposes of evil; bringing destruction to lives and individuals, but when we hate as God hates it is also a force that can be used for good; to bring forth good on behalf of others and for God.
When we hate racism and bigotry then the good of equality for all can come from it. When we hate injustice then updated laws that assure justice can be the good outcome. Hating what God hates opens doors and brings opportunities for righting wrongs and effecting change for those who are weaker than ourselves, powerless to stand up to what or who oppresses them.
When our hate matches God’s hate then we will also become stewards of good, light, and right. When we hate sin, we will have greater respect for obeying God’s commands. When we hate lying, we will have greater respect for integrity and try to live as authentically as possible. When we hate cheating, and we will make sure we are fair with others. When we hate abuse, mistreatment of the poor, gossip, and we will make kindness one of our core beliefs and practices.
Hate does not have a place in our heart, but it does have a place in our beliefs when those values and beliefs match God’s.
Check Yourself
Does your hate match God’s or is it directed at people?
Praying Ecclesiastes 3:8
God, you do not hate people. People are your own precious creation. But you do hate evil and injustice. Help us to hate what you hate and cause good things to come out of our hate. Our hate can make a difference for good and righteousness’ sake. Amen
Digging Deeper
Devotionally Yours 