Barbra Gentry-Pugh

The Heartbeat of Hating What God Hates

October 6, 2024

^”There are six things which the Lord hates, Yes, seven which are an abomination to Him: Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, And hands that shed innocent blood, A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that run rapidly to evil, A false witness who utters lies, And one who spreads strife among brothers.” Proverbs 6:16-19 (NASB)

“If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen.” 1 John 4:20 (NASB)

There are times when I enjoy reading and meditating on devotionals that bring me comfort and encouragement, words to uplift my spirit. There are times when I need to be inspired, to feel a sense of peace and hope when facing life’s challenges. Although devotions can undeniably offer uplifting moments, however, there are times when I need the word of God to lead me into a deeper reflection, ushering an atmosphere of confronting areas needed for growth, correction, and transformation in my spiritual journey. True encouragement comes not only from words that comfort me but also from those that challenge me to align my life with God’s truth and His will. This is where God was leading me in this week’s devotion.

Is it wrong to hate? Well, that depends on the object of our hate. We should never hate another person, because every person is a unique creation of God, an eternal soul that can be redeemed. But we should certainly hate the sinful things that even our most cherished loved ones do. We are to love the sinner but hate the sin. Foul language, perversion, crime, waywardness, and even gossip are things to hate.

We live in a world that often celebrates things that are contrary to God’s nature. As Believers in Christ, how can we remain rooted in hating sin without compromising our compassion and grace toward others? I believe one way is to stay aligned with the heartbeat of God and be mindful of the seven things He hates, as they help us examine our intentions and motives. Sin begins the moment it is conceived in the heart, even before any outward action is taken. As Proverbs 23:7a reminds us, “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.” Therefore, it’s crucial to address the condition of our hearts, ensuring that we hate the sin while still showing Christ-like love and compassion toward others.

Let’s look at what the Word of God says about what God hates in Proverbs 6:16–19. Let’s also be clear, these aren’t the only sins that should be avoided; however, they do sum up most of the wicked things condemned by God. These are the sins that deal with the deep heart motives of the individual. Because God only works in the heart, the writer of Proverbs points the finger straight at our hearts and our sinful thought processes.

Arrogant or Haughty Eyes: This describes a feeling of pride and looking down upon others Philippians 2:3, 5–11. When we begin to think of ourselves more highly and with unparalleled importance, we forget the fact that anything good in us is the result of Christ living in us and that the old self is now dead Galatians 2:20.
Lying Tongue: A lying tongue speaks falsehood, knowingly and willingly, with the intention to deceive others. Lying can be used to impugn the character of a brother or to flatter a friend. It is a most detestable evil to God, who is a God of truth. Nothing we do causes us to more closely resemble the devil, who is the father of lies John 8:44.
Hands That Shed Innocent Blood: This refers to cold-blooded murder. We may never have orchestrated killing someone or never have touched a gun or knife, but in Matthew 5:21–24, Jesus says that anyone who is angry with someone else unreasonably without offering room for forgiveness, sins equivalent to murder. John reiterates this concept in 1 John 3:15.
A Heart That Devises Wicked Schemes: This encompasses thinking or conceiving evil against any individual or group for personal benefit or other misguided objectives like modern-day terrorists indulge in. Any sin is basically a wicked scheme. David’s sin against Uriah the Hittite and Bathsheba comes to mind in 2 Samuel 11. The heart of an evil man continually contrives schemes to bring others to ruin, whether physically or spiritually.
Feet That Are Quick To Rush Into Evil: Those whose feet are quick to rush into evil display no resistance whatsoever to sin. There are many examples in the Bible and has good for food and pleasing to the eye” Genesis 3:6. Eve had sinned at that moment. “Resist the devil and he will flee from you” James 4:7.
False Witness Who Pours Out Lies: This is similar to the sin of the lying tongue. The prohibition against bearing false witness is the ninth of the Ten Commandments, and the New Testament is equally condemning of it. Colossians 3:9–10 explains the reason for the continued prohibition against lying, because as Believers in Christ, we are new creations in Christ, and we reflect His nature. We have been released from our “old self” with its evil practices such as lying and bearing false witness, 2 Corinthians 5:17.
A Man Who Stirs Up Dissension Among Brothers: Brothers are created by God to live in unity as noted in Psalm 133:1; 1 and Thessalonians 4:9. Believers in Christ are brothers and sisters since they have one Father God and Savior, Jesus Christ. In many situations, strife among brothers/sisters and even within the church seems unavoidable, but anyone who purposely disrupts peace in the body of Christ will displease God. 1 John 2:9 says, “The one who says he is in the Light and yet hates his brother is in the darkness until now. Jesus also pronounced a great blessing on peacemakers, the privilege to be called “sons of God” in Matthew 5:9.

HATRED comes from following our own sinful desires. Instead, we must allow the Holy Spirit to fill our lives, leaving no room for hatred noted in Galatians 5:19-23. When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, your life will produce these evil results. But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us.

HEART CHALLENGE: How Do We Let Go of Hatred? Getting rid of hatred involves a transformation of the heart, led by God’s Word and empowered by the Holy Spirit.

The first step is to recognize and confess the presence of hatred in your heart. The Word of God is clear that we must be honest with God about our emotions. He already knows! We must ask God to search our hearts and reveal any bitterness or hatred. Psalm 139:23-24 says: “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting.”
Hatred is a sin, and like any sin, it requires repentance. Repent and seek God’s forgiveness. Repenting means turning away from hatred and asking God for forgiveness. This involves humbling yourself before God and admitting that harboring hatred is wrong. 1 John 1:9 says “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Pray for a Renewed Heart. Only God can truly transform a hardened or hateful heart. Ask Him to renew your heart and fill it with love, compassion, and mercy, replacing the hatred with His peace.“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh,” Ezekiel 36:26
Love Your Enemies. Jesus teaches us to love our enemies and pray for those who hurt us. This act of love is radical and can only be achieved through God’s strength. It shifts the focus from bitterness to compassion, helping to dissolve hatred. “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,” Matthew 5:44.
Renew Your Mind with God’s Word. Renewing your mind through Scripture transforms your perspective. Regularly meditating on God’s Word can replace negative thoughts and feelings of hatred with His truth, peace, and love, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind,” Romans 12:2.
Seek Peace and Pursue It. The Bible encourages us to live at peace with others as far as it depends on us. This means making a conscious effort to resolve conflicts, let go of grudges, and seek peaceful resolutions. “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone,” Romans 12:18.
Depend on the Holy Spirit. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, which are essential to overcoming hatred. By allowing the Holy Spirit to work in you, you can exhibit these qualities instead of hatred, Galatians 5:22-23.
Focus on God’s Love. Understanding and receiving God’s love is the ultimate antidote to hatred. When we experience the fullness of His unconditional love, it becomes easier to extend that love to others, even those we may feel negatively towards. “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love,” 1 John 4:7-8.

By following these biblical principles, you allow God to heal the root of hatred in your heart, replacing it with His love, compassion, and peace. It’s a process that requires openness to the Holy Spirit and consistent application of God’s Word.

AN LOVING HEART: A Loving Heart Forgive as God Forgives. Forgiveness is essential in overcoming hatred. Holding on to past hurts fuels resentment, while forgiveness frees you from the bondage of bitterness. Unresolved hatred can become an all-consuming obsession. Hatred and bitterness are like weeds with long roots that grow in the heart and corrupt all of life. Hebrews 12:15 warns us to watch out “that no bitter root of unbelief rises up among you, for whenever it springs up, many are corrupted by its poison.” Don’t let hatred and its resulting bitterness build in your heart. The Bible calls us to forgive as Christ has forgiven us, even when it’s difficult. Colossians 3:13 reminds us to “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

PRAYER: Father God, thank You for Your Word that provides us with clear instructions on how we can hate what You hate. Help us get rid of anger realizing that anger leads to bitterness, which leads to hatred. Help us to demonstrate mercy and humility are powerful weapons against the spirit of hatred. Please help us to forgive because forgiveness stops hatred, in the Precious, Powerful, and Preeminent name of Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord, Amen.