Tim Maas Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U.S. Army

Although 1 John 4:8 ("Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love.") is a widely-quoted (and true) characterization of God, it is equally true that (according to the Bible) there are things that God (because of His holy nature) hates.

First and foremost among these would be sin in all its forms, since sin is the very opposite of God's nature, and because it has separated humanity (whom God had created to have eternal fellowship with Him) from God. This is illustrated by the metaphors that Scripture uses to describe the ways in which sin is viewed in God's eyes, with such terms as putrefying sores (Isaiah 1:6), defiling filth (Titus 1:15; 2 Corinthians 7:1), darkness (1 John 1:6), and a scarlet stain (Isaiah 1:18).

There are also passages in which God declares His hatred for specific acts associated with or resulting from sin (again, because of the adverse effects they have on people), such as Malachi 2:16, in which God says He hates divorce and violence, or multiple passages in the book of Proverbs, such as Proverbs 6:16-19.

In addition, Jesus condemned hypocrisy (such as that exhibited by the Jewish religious leaders), as well as those who practiced it -- and also the persecution of the righteous to which that hypocrisy led -- in the strongest terms in passages such as Matthew 23:13-36. It is this type of personal condemnation that David is expressing in the verse being asked about. 

Since God has such absolute hatred for sin, those who love and follow God must have a similar aversion to it, and make every effort (with the aid of the Holy Spirit) to avoid and prevent it. However, Christians are also called (again, by Jesus' direct example in associating with people regarded as notorious sinners, such as tax collectors and harlots) to tell others of the mercy and salvation that God offers through Jesus to those who repent of their sin, and seek God's forgiveness.

November 06 2015 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Billy P Eldred

In my opinion, David is stating his Zeal for God. He is saying that his Love for God is so great that he despises anyone opposed to God. A worthy attribute and one we should strive to emulate. 

As for they second part of your question, is it okay to hate. The next verse in the psalm states "Search me, oh Lord, and know my heart, try me and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."

God not only knows if we hate but why we hate. If we have the heart of David in this matter, we will be just fine.

November 06 2015 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Debbie Benfield

The old testament saints were given a law, which they felt righteous in enforcing against one another. They took strong stands against everything that wasn't Godly. They stoned trespassers & shunned sinners, in God's name. They didn't really "get it". 

Jesus came to show them, to bring "it" to light. It's not about hating your wicked neighbor, but hating the sin in your own life. It's not about taking vengeance on others who sin, but take vengeance on sin in your own life. Don't get upset when they take the 10 commandments off the courthouse lawn, but get upset when any commandment is taken out of your own heart. 

So don't look to the old testament saints to show the spirit of Christ, they didn't have that yet.

November 06 2015 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report