We always hear that God is love, but did you realize there are some things that the Lord hates?
"There are six things that God hates, seven that are an abomination to him: prideful eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers." Proverbs 6:16-19
God hates evil. All of the things that the Lord detests can be lumped into the category of evil. Being prideful, lying, murder, plotting evil, and being an instigator to arguments. When you really look at, you can't really be surprised that these are things the Lord hates. These are things most people hate too.
God hates pride, because it usually involves thinking more highly of yourself than anyone else (which is basically the antithesis of christianity.) It also causes people to exalt themselves about the Lord himself. Nothing good can come from pride. No matter our income bracket, what neighborhood we live in, or what we own, the Lord sees us all the same. "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall." Proverbs 16:18
God hates dishonesty. Period. Everyone has lied at some point in their life. Sometimes it's a little white lie to keep from hurting someone's feelings, and sometimes it's a huge lie that we have to keep remembering and adding onto to keep us out of trouble. Nothing good can come from lying. Lying breeds distrust in any relationship, creating distance and separation.
God hates hands that shed innocent blood. I think that one is pretty self explanatory. You know, thou shalt not kill. I think it's safe to say that God hates abortion. I know this can be a heated discussion among christians, and I'm not here to debate rape or fatal deformities. This is what scripture says. But let's take it one step further and Jesus says don't even think about these things in your heart. So we should strive to work on our anger so that we don't ever find ourselves to the point of mentally fuming so strongly that we wish to hurt someone.
God hates a heart that devises wicked plans. "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?" Jeremiah 17:9 Well, the Lord can know it, that's for sure. That's why we must not lean on our understanding, but look to the Lord for guidance. He understands our struggles and temptations and will provide a way of escape. He knows our hearts sometimes yearn and desire for sinful things. He wants us to run from sinful habits, not live a apathetic lifestyle where we have deceived ourselves into believing the Lord can't see what we're thinking.
God hates feet that run to make evil. You ever heard a piece of juicy gossip and couldn't wait to share it with someone else? Yeah, well God hates that. He hates when you plan to meet up to buy drugs. He hates when you spend all your money on lottery tickets and can't provide for your family. He hates when people make plans to go to the strip club. And then you usually end up having to lie about your wearabouts or why you have no money in order to save face. Please understand that he doesn't hate the people who are caught up in these sinful habits, but he does absolutely hate the sin. And our sin is what separates us from the Lord.
God hates a false witness who breathes out lies. This goes a little beyond just lying. This one speaks about going underoath and intentionally lying about a person. This could be someone in a courtroom, a false teacher, or anyone who purposely spreads misinformation.
God hates one who sows discord among brothers. We all know at least one person who seems to find joy in instigating arguments. Don't be that person. Encourage people instead. "The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit." Proverbs 18:21 Don't sow discord, but strive to build others up with your words.
God's word holds instructions to live a fruitful life. Pray for wisdom and guidance in order to live out a life that is pleasing to the Lord.
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