Bible Study

Title: A Time to Hate
Date: Sep 23, 2005
Topic(s): Christian Living/Situational
Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:8, Psalm 45:7, John 1:12, 1 John 1:9

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In general, hatred is not something that belongs in a Christian's life. One ancient philosopher said, "Love blinds us to faults, but hatred blinds us to virtues."

But is it ever right to hate? What does the Bible say?

What Does God Say?

The Book of Ecclesiastes says that there is "a time to love and a time to hate" (Ecclesiastes 3:8). But what should we hate? Look at the verses below and determine what God desires for us to hate.

• Psalm 47:7
• Psalm 97:10
• Psalm 119:128
• Psalm 119:163
• Proverbs 8:13

My Thoughts

Hatred, however, is not to be the focal point of your life. In speaking of one of the ancient kings of Israel (who was a symbol of Christ), the psalmist says:

"You love righteousness and hate wickedness;
Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You
With the oil of gladness more than Your companions" (Psalm 45:7, NKJV).

Loving righteousness (a "right relationship with God") comes before hating wickedness. When having a right relationship with God becomes the desire of your heart, wickedness loses its appeal.

Do you have a right relationship with God? Have you received Christ as your Savior (John 1:12)? Are there sins you need to confess and forsake (1 John 1:9)?

My Part

If you have never asked Jesus Christ to be your Savior, take a few minutes to do so now. You can pray: "Dear Father, I know that I am a sinner. I surrender my life to Your Son, Jesus, and accept Him as my Savior. Thank you for sending Him to pay for my sins. Amen."

If you've done this, please contact us and let us send you some free material.

On the other hand, maybe you've been a Christian many years but have not grown in your Christian walk or you've gotten involved in behavior that you know God doesn't approve of. You may want to pray: "Dear Father, I confess I have done what is wrong in Your sight. I valued wickedness (or you may want to specify wrong behavior patterns in particular) more than having a right relationship with You. I ask for Your cleansing and for Your help to make me love righteousness and turn away from wickedness. Amen."

Additional Scripture to read: Psalm 101:3; Amos 5:15

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