It definitely is true that our God is a God of love (1 John 4:8), but His word also tells us there are some things He hates. Although many times what is translated as hate really means to love less, if one does a word search on things the Bible says God hates or finds to be an abomination, one will come up with about 45 different items: homosexual acts (Leviticus 18:22); bestiality (Leviticus 18:23); idols, and the materials used to make idols (Deuteronomy 7:25); setting up pillars (for idolatrous worship) (Deuteronomy 16:22); blemished sacrifices (Deuteronomy 17:1); worshipping the sun, moon or stars (Deuteronomy 17:3-4); divination (Deuteronomy 18:10); astrology (Deuteronomy 18:10); enchanters (Deuteronomy 18:10); witches (Deuteronomy 18:10); charmers (Deuteronomy 18:11); wizards (Deuteronomy 18:11); necromancers (Deuteronomy 18:11); transvestitism (Deuteronomy 22:5); the hiring of a prostitute (Deuteronomy 23:18); marrying a former wife after she has been married to another man (Deuteronomy 24:4); dishonest scales (Deuteronomy 25:13-16); workers of iniquity (Psalm 5:5); the wicked (Psalm 11:5); those who love violence (Psalm 11:5); the perverse man (Proverbs 3:32); a proud look (Proverbs 6:16-17); a lying tongue (Proverbs 6:17); hands that shed innocent blood (Proverbs 6:17); a heart that devises wicked imaginations (Proverbs 6:18); feet that are swift in running to mischief (Proverbs 6:18); a false witness who speaks lies (Proverbs 6:19); anyone who sows discord among brethren (Proverbs 6:19); lying lips (Proverbs 12:22); the sacrifices of the wicked (Proverbs 15:8); the ways of the wicked (Proverbs 15:9); the thoughts of the wicked (Proverbs 15:26); the proud in heart (Proverbs 16:5); those who justify the wicked (Proverbs 17:15); those who condemn the just (Proverbs 17:15); vain sacrifices (Isaiah 1:13); new moons and feast days as Israel celebrated them (Isaiah 1:14); robbery for burnt offering (Isaiah 61:8); idolatry (Jeremiah 44:2-4); feast days and assemblies done with a wrong heart (Amos 5:21); evil plans against neighbors (Zechariah 8:17); false oaths (Zechariah 8:17); Esau (Malachi 1:1-3; Romans 9:13); putting away one’s wife (Malachi 2:14-16); and the deeds of the Nicolaitans (Revelation 2:6, 15).
Many of the items listed above reference a specific type or group of people that God says He either hates or finds to be an abomination, which is one of the strongest words of condemnation found in the Bible. To me, this only illustrates further just how strong the love of God is for His creation, for in spite of the fact that God hates certain things and even groups of people who engage in abhorrent behavior, His love for them, nonetheless, is stronger than His hatred, for as we are told clearly in His word by His Son, Jesus Christ, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes on Him should not perish, but have eternal life.” (John 3:16) This statement is given across the board, and applies equally to all who come to Him in obedient faith. And for further confirmation that God’s love is extended to and is more powerful than His hatred, consider what the Apostle Paul said in Romans 5:8: “But God commends His own love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” May our God of love bless you!
Many of the items listed above reference a specific type or group of people that God says He either hates or finds to be an abomination, which is one of the strongest words of condemnation found in the Bible. To me, this only illustrates further just how strong the love of God is for His creation, for in spite of the fact that God hates certain things and even groups of people who engage in abhorrent behavior, His love for them, nonetheless, is stronger than His hatred, for as we are told clearly in His word by His Son, Jesus Christ, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes on Him should not perish, but have eternal life.” (John 3:16) This statement is given across the board, and applies equally to all who come to Him in obedient faith. And for further confirmation that God’s love is extended to and is more powerful than His hatred, consider what the Apostle Paul said in Romans 5:8: “But God commends His own love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” May our God of love bless you!
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