Proverbs 6:16-19 is a well-known passage that teaches seven things which the Lord hates. But, turn that around. What are some things that the Lord loves? To be more like Him and to be more pleasing to Him, I ought to learn to hate what He hates, and to love what He loves.
One way to determine what the Lord loves is to reverse the seven things in Proverbs 6 that He hates. Therefore, we find that God must love a humble heart, an honest tongue, hands that help the innocent, a heart that plans good things, feet that run to do good, a true witness, and one who sows peace and unity among brethren. But what are some other things that Scripture says the Lord loves?
God loves all people. Jesus said, “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son” (John 3:16). If I’m going to be like Him, then I need to love all people, too.
God loves sinners. Paul wrote, “God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8). God hates “wickedness/lawlessness” (Psa. 45:7; Heb. 1:9), but He still loves the ones who commit such acts. If I’m going to be like Him, then I need to love those who do wrong, too.
God loves all Christians. John wrote, “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us…God so loved us…we have known and believed the love that God has for us” (1 John 3:1; 4:11, 16). If I’m going to be like Him, then I need to love all Christians, too.
God loves those who do right. The psalmist said, “The Lord loves the righteous” (Psa. 146:8), and Solomon wrote that God “loves one who pursues righteousness” (Prov. 15:9). If I want to be loved by God, I need to love right and do right, even if no one else is!
God loves those who obey Him. David and Moses remind us that God’s “steadfast love” is always “toward those who fear Him” (Psa. 103:11) and “keep His commandments” (Deut. 7:9). If I want to be loved by God, I need to respect His Word and obey it always!
God loves those who treat others fairly. David reveals that “the Lord loves justice” (Psa. 37:28). He is just (Deut. 32:4) and expects His people to be just. If I want to be loved by God, I need to be impartial and fair toward others!
God loves a cheerful giver. Paul tells us that “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Cor. 9:7). If I want to be loved by God, I need to give to Him with (and from) a cheerful heart!
Amos said, “Hate evil, love good” (5:15). Do you?