Should a Christian Ever Hate?

Even though it is a fact that God is a God of love (1 John 4:16), the Bible also teaches that He hates some things. Similarly, although Christians are commanded to love God and others, there are some things Christians should hate. Take notice of the following Scriptures.

A righteous man hates lying, but a wicked man is loathsome and comes to shame. Proverbs 13:5

Moreover you shall select from all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them to be rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens. Exodus 18:21

I have hated those who regard useless idols; but I trust in the LORD. Psalms 31:6

These six things the LORD hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: a proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren. Proverbs 6:16-19

For I, the LORD, love justice; I hate robbery for burnt offering; I will direct their work in truth, and will make with them an everlasting covenant. Isaiah 61:8

Let none of you think evil in your heart against your neighbor; and do not love a false oath. For all these are things that I hate, says the LORD. Zechariah 8:17

“For the LORD God of Israel says that He hates divorce, for it covers one’s garment with violence,” says the LORD of hosts. Malachi 2:16

Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Romans 12:9

But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. Revelation 2:6

Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth. Revelation 2:16-17

These scriptures teach us that God hates: dishonest gain (including the prosperity “gospel” and message), idolatry, lying, haughty eyes, murder, wicked schemes, troublemaking among the brothers, stealing, iniquity, divorce, evil, certain deeds and certain doctrines!

And then there is the COMMAND, “Do not love”—

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever. 1 John 2:15-17

While feel good preachers teach their out of balance “love doctrine,” they deceive many with partial truth because they fail to teach the “hate doctrine” that the sheep also need to know about.

The righteous hate what is false. In other words, if you are truly a Christian trusting in Jesus for salvation, you MUST HATE some things, including sin, idols, the things of this world (that are in opposition to God), and any thing or teaching that is false.