When you learn that someone you dearly love has a strong detestation for something, does that get your attention and cause you to want to be extra mindful and careful in that regard? Of course it does! In fact, in all likelihood, we will even change our own personal attraction or pleasure toward that detested thing. What if the one we so love in this manner is God? How would you respond to things or practices that God detests?
Sprinkled throughout the Bible is mention of things and actions that God hates. When we read those verses, those ought to grab our attention. In fact, in Proverbs 6:16-19, we find a short (yet partial) list of “things the Lord hates.” In fact, Solomon describes these as “seven [things that] are an abomination to Him.” God identifies some practices that are abhorrent to Him and opposed to His very nature. We should sit up, pay attention and do all in our power to avoid.
God hates a proud look. Truly, “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (1 Pet. 5:5), as He pleads with us to do “nothing…through selfish ambition or conceit” (Phil. 2:3-4). Arrogance has no place in following God!
God hates a lying tongue. God calls for us to “put away lying” (Eph. 4:25) and “all deceit” (1 Pet. 2:1) and to “speak truth” (Eph. 4:25) in all things. Lying is a part of that “old man” that we have put off “with his deeds” (Col. 3:9).
God hates hands that shed innocent blood. While the application is broader than this, does it not especially apply to the practice of killing unborn (innocent) babies! In fact, “whoever hates his brother is a murderer” (1 John 3:15).
God hates a heart that devises wicked plans. “Out of the heart proceed evil thoughts” and actions (Matt. 15:19). Thus, we must “keep [our] heart with all diligence” (Prov. 4:23) and focus on that which is good!
God hates feet that are swift in running to evil. You go wherever your feet are pointed. Our God pleads with us to “abstain from every form of evil” (1 Thess. 5:22). Run away from it, not toward it!
God hates a false witness who speaks lies. Whether in a court of law or not, we must never lie to or about another (Ex. 20:16; Prov. 12:22; 13:5; 19:9; Rev. 21:8), for such behavior is of the devil (John 8:44). Rather, the Lord looks for one “who swears to his own hurt” (Psa. 15:4).
God hates one who sows discord among brethren. God calls us “to speak evil of no one” (Tit. 3:2), but to “seek peace and pursue it” (1 Pet. 3:11). The Lord longs for unity among His people; we must not generate strife and conflict.
Do you love God? Do you hate what He hates?