It caught me by surprise to find those two words together in the Bible. It is true though, they’re there.
Let me clarify, I know God is Love–the epitome, the definition, the embodiment of a greater concept than we can naturally grasp–agape love.
I also know that all sins can be forgiven. But if you had to guess, what is something God hates?
Yes, sin, I am sure he hates sin and what it does to us, too. It divides us from him and ruins the life he intended. Anything that comes between us and him arouses his righteous anger. (Remember the marketplace in the temple?)
Most people will consciously or unconsciously assume that he hates one particular sin more than others, because some are more obviously destructive than others. But here is the verse:
Proverbs 6:16 (NASB)
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.
I could quickly acknowledge the innocent blood–that is natural to hate. But haughty eyes? strife among brothers?
That is likening the first rumblings of a church split and dissension in the body (who hasn’t felt that earth-tremor over doctrine?) to murder. Murder of an innocent.
Does this surprise anyone? Search, and let me know if there is anything else, according to scripture, that God hates.