Introduction

Recently, on social media, I spoke out against a church and their practices. I was then messaged by a member of that group telling me that I was spewing hate. All I had said was that I didn’t recommend it, and, for that, I was accused of spewing hate.

It’s not surprising that his message to me was full of hate citing that I couldn’t be a supporter of God and the bible while making a hateful statement. As Jesus said to the Sadducees, “You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God.” (Matthew 22:29)

What Does the Bible Say?

We begin in the Old Testament, the psalmist writes, Therefore all Your precepts concerning all things I consider to be right; I hate every false way (Psalms 119:128). Inspired by the Holy Spirit, the text states that God’s word is the sole authority and that all other are false. Therefore, we are to hate them.

In the New Testament, the apostle Paul writes, And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. (Ephesians 5:11) Again, if it’s not from God’s word, then we are not to fellowship it but, rather, expose it, as false doctrine.

Also, Paul wrote, But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed. (Galatians 1:8-9)

To the untrained student, my phrasing could be considered pure hatred. However, the bible show that there are examples in which we can hate things and that is called, Bible Hate.

Some Examples of Bible Hate

Back in March, of this year, I began a series of articles called, Things God Hates. It focused on Proverbs 6:16-19. Here’s verse 16, These six things the LORD hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him. This list of seven are broken down in a series of articles that I encourage you to read.

Another example is found in the last book of the Old Testament which reads, “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)

The reason God hates divorce is because it’s an invention of Man. Yes, he did allow it to happen (Deut. 24:1; Mt. 19:8), but it was to keep His promise to Abraham (Gen. 12:1-3). Jesus gave only one exception as a scriptural reason for divorce as found in Mt. 19:9. All other reasons are not tolerated.

It’s a Word of Warning

If you find your child playing in the middle of the road and a car comes down the street, are you being hateful because you yell a word of warning to them to look out? No, of course not! If you yell at them further, once they return to the yard, because this isn’t the first time they’ve done it, this also is a warning and not hate.

Sometimes harsh words can be seen as hate but if they are used to save a person’s life, it is done out of love. It’s the same in religion, you warn people about false doctrine because you care about their soul. Read the 2^nd Letter of Peter and chapter 2 to get a full understanding of false teachers and their doctrine.

Conclusion

When you warn someone and they choose to ignore it, there’s really nothing you can do. As Paul writes, And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness. (2 Thessalonians 2:11-12) This is why there are so many denominations and other religious practices in the world.

Am I spewing hate? The answer is no! What I am doing is defending the faith as commanded in scripture. As the apostle Peter wrote, But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; (1 Peter 3:15). I am defending the one true faith (Eph. 4:5) because I hate every false way (Ps. 119:104).