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In Christian circles, there is no shortage of teaching on the love of God. Many books, podcasts, sermons and conferences all cover this topic in great detail – and they should! God is love, and as He is, so are we in this world (1 John 4:8,16-17). Paul wrote the classic love verses in 1 Corinthians 13:1-8, and also in Romans 12:12-21, so we would have God’s template to follow in developing the ability to love as God loves. But on the other hand, we need to learn how to hate as God hates! Oh yes, absolutely!
This is a revelation to most Christians, but it needs to be understood now more than ever, because demonically inspired hatred in society is now the norm and not the exception. Jesus knew this and lived that way when He was here. When Jesus returned to heaven and sat down at God’s right hand, the Father had this to say about Him in Hebrews 1:9: “You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness. Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You with the oil of gladness more than Your companions.” So, if Jesus loved and hated in His life, its okay if we do the same! Who do we hate? People? No, and that’s the problem.
We channel all our hatred towards each other, which is exactly what the devil wants. Instead, we should channel all our hatred toward him, and the sin that so easily ensnares us (Psalms 119:103/Hebrews 1:1-2). Our enemies are not flesh and blood. They are the devil and all the evil spirits doing his bidding (Ephesians 6:10-18). They are also the sins we commit or are tempted to commit (Romans 6:23/1 Corinthians 10:13). So, we need to continue practicing our love walk, but at the same time, aim your hatred and channel your rage! It’s scriptural and okay to do that. Be as angry as God is towards the devil and the sin he tempts us with (Psalms 97:10/101:3/119:104,163). These are just a few of the many verses that deal with this topic.
In the Old Testament, it was an eye for an eye and a tooth for tooth (Matthew 5:38-48), but Jesus came to show us the way of agape love (John 13:34-35).
So now in the New Testament, we need to know that God expects us to love one another (1 Thessalonians 3:12-13), but the importance of hating the devil and sin is just as important now as it ever was! You’ll never be free from demonic torment until you learn to hate the devil as much as you love God. You’ll never be free from sin until you learn to hate it as much as God does. Don’t forget that!
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