Yes, we have a God of love, but there are some things He hates.
For I, the LORD, love justice; I hate robbery and iniquity. (Isa. 61:8)
There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers. (Prov. 6:16-19)
The LORD detests differing weights, and dishonest scales do not please him. (Prov. 20:23)
Demonstration of God’s Love Must Be Driven by the Fullness of Who He Is
Though a God of love, He is also a holy and righteous God so He can’t help but hate sin. Consequently there is a barrier between sinful man and God. Sin separates us from Him “for the wages of sin is death” (Rom. 6:23).
God hates sin so much, He had to do something about it because He also loves so much.
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Rom. 5:8)
Praise God, He took care of the sin problem! He hates sin so much it drove Him to the greatest demonstration of love — “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends” (Jn. 15:13).
How Such Love Affects Us
What about our love for Him? Do we love the Lord enough to hate what He hates?
Let those who love the LORD hate evil. (Ps. 97:10)
To fear the LORD is to hate evil. (Prov. 8:13)
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. (Rom. 12:9)
For More About God, Go To: Theology Resources
Being human we can only imitate, but not be as perfect as God is for we live in a world full of evil
That is so true, Jacqueline. If you look at the original language that speaks of us being perfect, it means more that we should be mature, complete, whole, not sinless. And, the only way that is going to happen is “in Him.” Jesus said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” We can only imitate Him through His power as we look to Him as the SOURCE not just our example.
God’s plan was from the first to love us as His own. So many people in these days have sex together and live together not married. Sex is an addiction that people don’t stop at to have just for the pleasure. Some people think nothing of stealing things as wrong. It is so wonderful that God Died For Us on the Cross so that we could be cleansed of our sins. It’s so sad when I contact someone who doesn’t even want to hear about God. I talk to anyone on the street to see if they are a Christian and they aren’t interested in God or being a Christian. But I have talked to lots who are saved. We sometimes talk for a while about the Church and God and it is so much joy in this! I mentioned to one woman recently about a good Christian movie and she said, not interested. I find more young people on the street who are Christians than anyone I see. Leonard
There are a couple things I think of, Leonard, about people’s reaction. First, people must sense a need for a Savior. Somehow we have to help them see that the Gospel touches every need. Second, as John 6:44 says, “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him.” Because He is the greatest draw in people coming to Him, we need to really be in prayer for those with whom we share Christ.
Greetings. If ever we needed to hear of and practice the “LOVE OF GOD”, It is today. Do not be weary in well doing. The promise is for those who endure to the end.
Amen!