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What God Hates

"Here are six things God hates, and one more that he loathes with a passion.^"1

So what are the six-plus-one things that God hates?
    eyes that are arrogant,
    a tongue that lies,
    hands that murder the innocent,
    a heart that hatches evil plots,
    feet that race down a wicked track,
    a mouth that lies under oath,
    a troublemaker in the family.² 

The fact is that God hates all evil because it is diametrically opposed to his nature which is perfect holiness. Another reason God hates evil is because it is destructive to us, his children. He loves us too much and doesn't want us to go down that path.

As God's children, we too should hate evil. We are called to love others, but don't have to accept their actions if they go against God's will. God's Word instructs his people, "Hate evil, love good; maintain justice in the courts."³ In other words we are to love the things God loves and hate the things God hates. We should seek to have God's heart and right motives when doing this, because we must remember we are not to judge others, as only God is worthy to do that. God is always pure, always just, and always God. For this reason, he will always hate evil, and call us to be holy as He is holy. 

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me to become more and more like You. Keep me from committing the things which you hate, and help me seek Your truth and righteousness. Give me the heart to love others, while always standing up for what is right. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

1. Proverbs 6:16 (The Message).
2. Proverbs 6:17-19 (The Message).
3. Amos 5:15 (NIV).