Hate

<<extreme dislike>>

Hate is both a sin and a godly feeling, depending on what it's directed at. This intense emotional response is towards certain people, things or ideas.

Hate as a sin

This involves engaging in behaviours considered harmful or unethical and not in agreement with societal ideals of appropriate conduct or those God approves of (Deut 12:31: Ps 5:4,5, 11:5; Prov 6:16-19; 2 Tim 3:2-4; Tit 3:3). Hate is the opposite of love and is a characteristic of one who walks in spiritual darkness, with the Bible even stating, ‘anyone who hates his brother is a murderer’ meaning they disregard another’s welfare and life, not valuing those also made in God’s image (Jn 3:20; Gal 5:19,20; 1 Jn 2:9,11, 3:15, 4:20). Nothing beneficial comes from ungodly feelings of anger and contempt.

Hatred is a strong emotion, whereby malice can quickly escalate out of control, leading to disastrous consequences, with the hostility bringing friction and division in families and even causing nations to be at war. The Bible warns that when bitterness (a form of hatred) takes root it causes much trouble and ruins people’s spiritual lives so we should

Hatred destroys people from within and without

try to find mutually beneficial solutions to life’s problems, and not retaliate by trying to get even, for it will rebound (Est 5:9-7:10; Gal 6:7; Heb 12:15).

Hate as a godly virtue

It's acceptable to hate the things that God hates, such as evil, falsehood, hypocrisy, and all that is in direct opposition to Him. As our understanding of God’s character and attributes grows, we will detest those things contrary to His Word and nature. We are to hate evil because it is the enemy of all that is good and represents God. This righteous hatred is directed at the action, not the perpetrator such as

God hates sin, but loves the sinner – we should too

when people are mistreated or God is dishonoured. Like God, we are to love and have mercy on people yet have a hatred of sin and its devastating effects (Eccl 3:8). Thus, it’s important to differentiate between hating or rejecting evil behaviour and hating people. Believers should never reject or hate sinful people or those of different religions, only their immoral or wicked behaviour or holding faulty unbiblical beliefs.

While refusing to ignore, condone or excuse sin we can pray for sinners and show them respect, yet also speak the truth of God’s Word in love, pointing out immoral and ungodly decisions, and endeavour to turn those walking in deception from the error of their ways though this must not be in an offensive, aggressive or judgmental manner (Eph 4:15; 1 Tim 2:1; Jas 5:20; 1 Pet 2:17).

Jesus Christ, “loved righteousness and hated wickedness” and set us the pattern for how we ought to respond to good and evil (Heb 1:9). Can that be said of me? As His children, we are to “Seek good, not evil…Hate evil, love good…” (Amos 5:14,15). The psalmist’s words are clear, “Let those who love the Lord, hate evil” (Ps 97:10). Paul expressed it as “hate what is evil and cling to what is good” (Rom 12:9).

Jesus instructs us to love our enemies by doing good to those who mistreat us, responding to hatred with love (Lk 6:27-30). The Bible teaches that we should love our neighbours, refrain from speaking hatefully to or about them, and treat them as we wish to be treated (Mk 12:31; Lk 6:31). Jesus said, “Blessed are you when people hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as

To fear the Lord is to hate evil – Proverbs 8:13

evil, because [you are my disciples]… If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first” – and without cause (Mt 5:43,44; Lk 6:22; Jn 15:18,24,25). As followers of Jesus, we may face hatred from the world due to our association with Him, and our lives will serve to convict others of their sins (Mt 10:22, 24:9; Jn 15:19,21, 17:14; 1 Pet 4:4).

Since we live with other ‘less-than-perfect’ humans we hurt each other with offence easily taking hold, growing into major issues unless dealt with – humble forgiveness is the solution.

Jesus said we can’t serve God and money at the same time, we will love one and hate the other with one taking priority or preference over the other (Mt 6:24). As disciples of Jesus, we must love Him with such intensity that our love for our families and selves is hatred by comparison, and no rational person hates his own body instead feeds and cares for it (Lk 14:26; Jn 12:25; Eph 5:29).