Does God Hate?

Some folks have asked, “Why do some Christians use the Bible to justify hate?”  Throughout the centuries, evil men and women have extracted small portions of the Bible to justify their prejudices. They do it without regard for the context and who is speaking. They may target people with a different skin color, different nationality, a handicapped person, or any other class of people that they choose to hate. Non-Christians find some Scripture they can use to their advantage or for their cause. Then, they use that Scripture to fortify their false or wicked agenda. Sometimes, sad to say, Christians are guilty of this prejudicial use of the Bible.

It is important to note that consistently, through the Bible, God’s character shows a hatred for sin but a love for the sinner. This trait is exemplified in the Biblical accounts of Jacob, Rahab, Hosea and Gomer, the prodigal son, Matthew and Zacchaeus – evil tax collectors, Saul (Paul) and many others. God is “not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. “(2 Peter 3:9). “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8). “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16).

At times, God is described as hating the wicked. “The wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth.” (Psalm 11:5). Humanly speaking, we all naturally hate things that destroy what we love.

The object of God’s hatred is always sin and wickedness. “These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, an heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.” (Proverbs 6:16-19). “Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness.” (Psalm 45:7) “For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness.” (Psalm 5:4) God hates sin and wickedness because it violates His holiness, and He knows the damage and pain it can inflict on the sinner. Ultimately, if a person doesn’t repent, sin will send them to an eternity in the lake of fire.

It is also true that God commands believers to hate evil. “The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.” (Proverbs 8:13). “Ye that love the Lord, hate evil.”  (Psalm 97:10) God gave this command and others because He loves and wants to protect us from the damage and pain that sin can cause.

While God hates sin and wickedness and even hates the wicked person, please note this remarkable statement: “And you, that were sometimes alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled.” (Colossians 1:21). “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” “For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.”  (Romans 5:8, 10)

While God hates sin, wickedness, and sinners, AT THE SAME TIME, He loved them enough to send His Son to die for them so they could be forgiven. When He was crucified, Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34).

The above Scriptures show God’s perfect mixture of love and hate. If you have never received Christ as Savior, God hates your sin, but He loves you. He wants you to be in heaven with Him. He does not want you to spend an eternity in hell. But it is your choice. You can either receive Him as your Lord and Savior or reject Him and suffer the eternal consequences of your decision. What will you do?

If you are a born-again Christian and not living for the Lord, please know that God hates your sin. It is time for you to turn to the Lord with all your heart. Confess your sin, ask for forgiveness, and then follow the Lord.