SEARCHLIGHT
What is worth hating and what is worth loving?
SCRIPTURE
Hate evil, love good; maintain justice in the courts. Amos 5:15a NIV
SPOTLIGHT
An internet search reveals the most “popular” things that people hate. The list includes loud chewing, overly opinionated people, talking during movies, close talkers, people who complain about everything, cleaning toilets, people who clip their nails at work, drain hair, a group text with too many people, and coffee. I have often said that I hate wallets and keys because they are so bulky. How many of these items are on your “hate” list?
A similar search reveals the most “popular” things that people love. The list includes free food, hanging out with friends, sleeping, playing games, the smell of fresh lilacs, making fun of others, listening to music, laughing, hobbies, and coffee. I have often said that I love ice cream. How many of these items are on your “love” list?
Allow me to make some observations:
- Coffee is both hated and loved.
- Not one item listed has to do with truthfulness, values, evil, injustice, goodness or God.
- Not one item listed looks beyond a person’s personal dislikes and likes.
A Christian is commanded to hate. Of course, it is clear that a Christian should love. Perhaps what surprises you is the direct Biblical instruction to hate. Today’s Scripture focus is just one of many verses instructing believers to hate evil and to love good. Psalm 97:10 states, “Let those who love the Lord hate evil.” Proverbs 8:13 says, “To fear the Lord is to hate evil.” Romans 12:9 states, “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil. Cling to what is good.”
What should a believer hate? Evil is worth hating. In today’s Scripture, the prophet, Amos, mentions injustice in the court system. Think about it. If the leaders of a nation are unjust, prejudice, show favoritism, open to bribes, self-seeking, settling for what is fair rather than what is just, hypocritical, proudful, and willing to ignore the truth, then that nation will create a society of people pitted against people. It will become chaotic and soon collapse.
The Bible says, “There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devices, wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.” [Proverbs 6:16-19] How many of these items are on your “hate” list?
What should a believer love? Goodness is worth loving. Many times, the Bible speaks of God being good. [Psalm 34:8, 100:5, 118:1, 145:9] Over 40 times the Bible says to give thanks to the Lord because He is good and loves you. Everything good comes from God. [James 1:17]
The Bible instructs a believer to love what is good. “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy to walk humbly with your God.” [ Micah 6:8]
The Bible also instructs the believer to love what God loves. Jesus Christ instructed His followers to love God, love your neighbor, love others and love your enemies. “For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16] How many of these items are on your “love” list?
Hate and love are so powerful. The hate and love described in the Bible are not personal or based on feeling. They are a sincere hatred of all evil and sin coupled with a deep love for God and His righteous standards. God invites you to make a commitment that requires obedience to Him, action and sacrifice. Biblical hate and love reflect God’s character. Will you join God’s team? You were made in the image of God. Now express the image of God.
SOMETHING TO DO
Take time to pray and ponder about taking a stand for what a believer should hate and love.
What should you do to become a Christian who stands for Godly truth and values?
SOUL TIME PRAYER
Heavenly Father, I am Your child and I am asking You to show me what to hate and love. I want my love to be sincere. Then empower me by the Holy Spirit to follow through. Help me not to compromise or conform to society. AMEN