*** Let us be careful to do as the Lord advised and keep short accounts with everyone about everything, no matter how small, and the Lord will be faithful to forgive, as He has promised (1 John 1:9; 2:1). ***

Date:   6/28/2015 8:33:29 PM ( 9 y ago)

28 JUNE 2015

"What does the Bible say about hate?"

Bionically - definition of bionically by The Free Dictionary

** adj. 1. having normal functions enhanced by electronic devices and mechanical parts for dangerous or intricate tasks. 2. of or pertaining to bionics.

Answer: Bionically speaking, there are positive and negative aspects to hatred.
It is acceptable to hate those things that God hates; indeed, this is very much a proof of a right standing with God.

“Let those who love the Lord hate evil”
(Psalm 97:10a).

Indeed, the closer our walk is with the Lord and the more we have fellowship with Him, the more conscious we will be of sin, both within and without.

Do we not grieve and burn with anger when God’s name is maligned, when we see spiritual hypocrisy, when we see blatant unbelief and godless behavior?

The more we understand God’s attributes and love His character, the more we will become like Him and the more we will hate those things that are contrary to His Word and nature. We should Love God because He first loved us!

However, hatred which is negative; surely has to be that which is directed against others.

The Lord mentions hatred in the Sermon on the Mount:
“But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment” (Matthew 5:22).

The Lord commands that not only should we be reconciled with our brother before we go before the Lord, but also that we do it quickly
(Matthew 5:23-26).

{Here is a key part of Hate - learn to let it pass and get over it quickly! Like in a few seconds!}

The act of murder itself was certainly condemned, but hatred is a “heart” sin, and any hateful thought or act is an act of murder in God’s eyes for which justice will be demanded, possibly not in this life but certainly at the judgment bar of God.
So heinous is the position of hate before God that a man who hates is said to be walking in darkness, as opposed to the true light
(1 John 2:9).

1 John 2:9 New King James Version (NKJV)

9 He who says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness until now.

The worst situation is that of a man who continues professing a religious life yet remains at enmity with his brother.
The Scriptures declare that such a person is a liar, and he may fool men, but not God.

Love Comes from God
(1 John 4:20)
19 We love, because He first loved us.
20 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.
21 And this commandment we have from Him, that the one who loves God should love his brother and sister also.

How many believers live for years pretending that all is well, putting on a front,
only to be found finally wanting because they have harbored enmity (hatred) against a fellow believer?

Hatred is a poison that destroys us from within, producing bitterness that eats away at our hearts and minds. This is why the Scriptures tell us not to let a “root of bitterness” spring up in our hearts -
(Hebrews 12:15).

A Call to Holiness

14 Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord.
15 See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled;
16 that there be no immoral or godless person like Esau, who sold his own birthright for a single meal.…

-----------------------------

Hatred also destroys the personal witness of a Christian because it removes him from fellowship with the Lord and other believers.
Let us be careful to do as the Lord advised and keep short accounts with everyone about everything, no matter how small, and the Lord will be faithful to forgive, as He has promised.

1 John 2:1-3 (NIV)

1 My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.

2 He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.

Love and Hatred for Fellow Believers

3 We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. .


*** Recommended Resources: Hate-Work: Working through the Pain and Pleasures of Hate by David W. Augsburger and Logos Bible Software.


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Read more: http://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-hate.html#ixzz3eIX757i

 

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