Saturday, February 18, 2012
Five Things God Hates
Dwight David Eisenhower, a Republican President and 5-star general said, “I hate war as only a soldier who has lived it can, only as one who has seen its brutality, its futility, its stupidity.” Franklin D. Roosevelt, a Democratic President gave an "I Hate War" speech at Chautauqua, New York. These were not hateful men. Both of them knew that war is sometimes necessary, but they hated the pain and loss that is inflicted by war. Their love for peace elicited a hate for war
2. When your joy is stolen (John 10:10)
3. When you are deceived (Acts 26:15-18)
4. When your love is misdirected (I John 2:15)
5. When you choose to forfeit your place in His family (II Peter 3:9)
I hate things that are harmful those that I love. Because I love my family, I hate drugs, diseases and philosophies that would destroy them. Because I love my country, I hate the enemies of democracy and freedom. Because I love my church, I hate false doctrine, division and pride. I am not a hateful person, but my sincere love precludes me from being neutral on some matters. No doubt many readers feel the same way.
God is not hateful either. Yet, due to his profound love for mankind, there are some things that He hates. God hates:
1. When you are wounded (Luke 4:18)2. When your joy is stolen (John 10:10)
3. When you are deceived (Acts 26:15-18)
4. When your love is misdirected (I John 2:15)
5. When you choose to forfeit your place in His family (II Peter 3:9)
In short, God hates your enemies because He loves you. Biblical guidelines are his way of protecting you from those things He hates. Just as a parent who hates cavities makes a rule that all children must brush their teeth, your heavenly father makes rules that are designed to protect you from those things God hates. Just as some young children may think their parent is being mean because they make them do their homework, some people misrepresent God as mean because He holds us accountable to good clean living.
The Bible admonishes us to “Discipline your children while there is hope. Otherwise you will ruin their lives.” (Proverbs 19:18 NLT) It should be no surprise that God does the same with His children. He is a tough coach because he wants to make us successful. Embrace God’s house rules and you will embrace His love and the abundant life that He wants for you.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
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