Women's Devotional: For Women, by Womenنموونە

Things God Hates

Hate is a severe word. It expresses an intense hostility or extreme dislike. Many children use the word without thought, and most parents admonish them, “We don’t use the word hate.” But inevitably the harsh word slips out: “I hate vegetables!” “I hate my little brother!” Many adults aren’t much better, and the word slips out all too easily: “I hate it when she gets all the glory.” “I hate that man’s singing.” “I hate skinny models.” “I hate to do laundry.”

What do you hate? What things do you avoid at all costs? For some the thought of a certain activity causes intense agitation. Perhaps your first auto accident occurred during a blizzard. To this day, you hate getting behind the steering wheel when the fluffy flakes appear. Everybody hates something. And strange as it may seem, the Bible says that even the all-loving God hates some things.

It may seem strange to us to read the words “hate” and “God” in the same sentence. If God is love, then what does he hate? Solomon lists the top seven things God hates: (1) a prideful sneer, (2) fraud, (3) bloodshed, (4) conspiracy, (5) evil intent, (6) perjury and (7) inciting division among God’s people. Bible commentator Matthew Henry wrote, “God hates sin; he hates every sin; he can never be reconciled to it; he hates nothing but sin,” but apparently these sins are especially repugnant to him.

This list possesses a common thread; it includes sins particularly harmful to others. Since human beings are God’s special creation, he is exceptionally sensitive to sins that cause grief for others. The list also crescendos: the first six sins place emphasis on the seventh. It’s bad for you to sin, but it is “detestable” to start a chain reaction—causing others to sin too.

What are the top seven things you hate? The psalmist said, “Let those who love the Lord hate evil” (Psalm 97:10). To love God is to hate what he hates. Instead of despising veggies or hating to drive on icy roads, go a little deeper. Really think about what’s on God’s “hate” list. Then banish those things from your house and your heart.

Reflection

• What on God’s list of things to hate surprises you?
• Ask God to show you if you have ever practiced anything on this list. If so, what? (Be honest.)
• How will you banish the things on God’s list from your life?