Hate is such a strong word.
And I think it is an overused word, kind of like love.
Consider all of the different ways we use these two power-packed words.
I love those shoes. I hate this weather. I love the K-State Wildcats. I hate lima beans. I love Saturdays. I hate people who cut me off in traffic.
I could probably write an entire blog post (or book!) following that love-hate pattern, but you get the point. Love and hate are pretty common words, and pretty over used ones at that.
I personally try to never use the word hate. Like, ever. (Unless of course I am talking about Satan. I really despise that jerkface.)
But this truth in our series “21 Truths about God” directly deals with that nasty H-word. Here it is:
God Hates Sin.
You may or may already know this truth, but have you really thought about it? God, the wonderful Master of the Universe who loves us unconditionally actually hates something that we do.
God hates sin. (Gulp.)
With this truth, there are a few important clarifications to make. First: Have you ever really considered why God hates sin? It is because it drives us away from Him. Sin separates us from God. He is so Holy that He simply cannot be in the presence of sin.
He loves us so much that He hates to be separated from us. So technically, the roots of God hating sin stem from love. Pretty cool, huh?
Here’s another very important point. When we sin, God doesn’t hate us. He hates the sin. See, unlike our mortal little selves, God is very good at separating the sin from the person. We are not (just ask my husband when he forgets to roll the trash out on trash day. I am pretty terrible at separating the sin from the person sometimes.)
So yes, when we sin, God still loves us– unconditionally. He still pursues us, still beckons us, still offers redemption even when we mess up big time.
God never hates us– He just hates the sin.
And just because God can’t be in the presence of sin, it’s not like He just abandons us. He doesn’t say “Welp, she messed up again. Too bad, so sad. Hope the spiritual wolves have fun with that one.”
Uh, negative. Instead, He waits for us. He convicts us, showing us what we did in our sin and offers forgiveness the moment we are ready to repent.
Oh. And did I mention that God hates sin so much yet loves us even more that He sent His Son to die for us so we were not destined for eternal damnation, an eternity separated from Him.
Mind. Blown. (And thanks, God!)
This whole hate-the-sin-yet-unconditionally-love-the-sinner dealio is pretty deep for our mortal brains to wrap around, but just understanding a sliver of it really encourages my heart. Hope that it does the same for you! #CanIGetAnAmen?
Dear readers, I challenge you to take some time today and really consider how much God hates sin… Yet still loves you through it. How does it make you feel? How does this motivate you to run to Him in temptation, struggle or those sinful moments? Leave a comment if you feel led.
So yes, it is so very true that God hates sin, but remember…
He loves the sinner more.
Redeemed in Christ,
“Help us, God our Savior, for the glory of your name; deliver us and forgive our sins for your name’s sake.” ~Psalm 79:9 NIV
Linking up today with Michelle via Hear it Sunday~Use it Monday, Laura at Playdates with God, Joan’s Beauty in His Grip, and Inspire me Monday. Oh! And be sure to join our #EverydayJesus link-up community right here at 7 Days Time every Thursday!
