Hatred Unveiled

 

…a time to love and a time to hate, (Ecclesiastes 3:7a NIV)

 

We are known not for what we love but for what we hate.  It is the easiest thing in the world to love something…whether it be sleep, solitude or survival.  Hate is a bit more tricky because it has a piercing odor to it, like reeking of garlic or onions.  We see hate and it startles us; makes our stomach turn at times.  We cannot imagine fully the hatred of God for it is such a disconcerting thought.  What would He hate?  Who would He hate?  How would His hatred look?  The warning in Malachi that God hates divorce and a lifestyle of violence gives us pause.  In Amos God announces His hatred of religious festivals when justice and righteousness are ignored.  Jesus said every person is bound to hate one Master.  The question is not if but who.  What master will you hate?  God does not shy away from the violence of hatred.  He means “hate” but do we when we contemplate our masters?  It is impossible to love one master if hatred is not scorching the attachment of another master.  Given the severity of the consequence, has the world become a loathing to you or are you more like Lot’s wife, leaning back in your retreat?  Do you love forgiveness with the same intensity as a grudge, purity with same passion as a brief fling with lust, kindness with the same fervor as your desire for ease?  Even in Heaven there is great hatred or else pride, selfishness and envy would have their places next to humility, generosity and contentment at God’s table.  Be careful what you love but certain of what you hate.