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When Jesus returned to heaven after His death, burial and resurrection, Hebrews chapter 1 records His magnificent coronation ceremony. In front of all the angels and redeemed old testament saints (called the “captives”: Ephesians 4:8), our Heavenly Father reinstated Jesus at His right hand, declared God by God, with all the privileges and power of Deity restored. Among many accolades heaped upon Jesus that day, one specifically dealt with the issue of love and hate. Jesus loved and Jesus hated. If He did, we should live the same way. Period.
As I said in last month’s COLD WATER, there is no shortage of teaching on the love of God, and that’s the way it should be. God is love, so are we in this world (1 John 4:8,16-17). Divine Love exhibits characteristics that are clearly pointed out in 1 Corinthians 13:1-8 and Romans 12:12-21. However, that kind of love for God MUST be balanced with hatred for the devil and the sins that so easily ensnare us (Psalms 139:21-22/Revelation 12:9/Hebrews 12:1). How many seminars, conferences or books have addressed this issue? Not many, if any, at least as far as I can tell. Don’t let the devil’s puppets spread all the misdirection on hate in today’s world. His goal is to incite our hatred for each other, instead of our hatred against him.
Here’s what God wants and needs today around the world – a body of Christ that loves Him AND hates His enemies. You want to channel hatred? Good, so do I! Let’s channel it towards Satan and all his demons – together. Hatred IS scriptural. Just make sure you’re hating what God hates. Never forget this truth: YOU’LL NEVER LIVE FREE FROM DEMONIC TORMENT AND SIN UNTIL YOU LEARN TO HATE LIKE GOD DOES. Jesus said to learn this from Him (Matthew 11:29). Do that, and you’re on solid ground with the Lord!
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