Series Introduction

Introduction

I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase, “Lover the sinner and hate the sin.” Although this phrase isn’t found anywhere in the scriptures, there is some truth to it. From this, we can draw the conclusion that God can, and actually does, hate things.

In the religious world people might say, “How can a loving God hate?” The first phrase, above, should have already given you the answer. The apostle John writes, Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness. (1 John 3:4)

Bible Examples

One of the things God states that He hates is found in Malachi 2:16, “For the LORD God of Israel says That He hates divorce, For it covers one’s garment with violence,” Says the LORD of hosts. “Therefore take heed to your spirit, That you do not deal treacherously.” (Malachi 2:16) Why does God hate divorce? Because Marriage is His invention!

Going all the way back to the garden of Eden, God created man and woman and they were joined in wedded bliss (Gen. 2:24). Jesus confirms this in Mk. 10:6-8, as does the apostle Paul in Eph. 5:28-31.

In the New Testament, Paul writes, For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness (Romans 1:18). There are those who want to keep the truth from being proclaimed. They will shout down preachers in the streets and disrupt the local service all because they are against what the scriptures teach.

Paul also wrote, For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. (Romans 1:16) This is why the scriptures are so important to be proclaimed, it is the power of God unto salvation!

Seven Things God Hates

In the book of proverbs, there is an actual list of seven things that God hates. In chapter 6 and verse 16, the list is announced, These six things the LORD hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him. The method of this verse is to grab your attention. It almost sounds like an error in which the author pens, six things then he changes it to seven. The reason for the difference, you will see, is that the seventh appears more heinous that the other six.

In the coming weeks, we’ll look at each of these seven things that God hates plus we’ll look at the solution that is provided in turn. For now, here’s the list of seven, 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. (Proverbs 6:17-19)

Conclusion

Contrary to what certain religious people think, God does hate certain things, and these are things that Christians should hate as well. If we are to abide by His holy word, we should appreciate that this list is provided for us so that we have a better understand of what unrighteous behavior is.

Once again, as John writes, Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness. (1 John 3:4) Keep this in mind as you make decisions in your day-to-day life.