The Lord hates what evil people do, but he loves those who do what is right. Proverbs 15:9 (NCV)
It’s time to set the record straight. God hates what evil people do. Simply said? No news here you say? But look again at what the words say, or better yet what they don’t say.
GOD DOES NOT HATE EVIL PEOPLE. Religionists, even some that call themselves christian (small ‘c’ intentional) will tell you differently. Maybe not in words, but in actions; by the way they make you feel; or by the heartless advice they give you. Ever noticed how you have a tendency to want to duck when someone says “I’m telling you this in love”?
Let me repeat. God does not hate you if you are living in sin. God does not hate you if you are a felon, an abuser, an atheist. But also, let me emphasize that God hates the evil actions of people. Why? Because evil actions hurt people. Evil actions hurt the victims and the abuser.
If you are struggling with sin right now, it’s important to know that God hates your actions, but he doesn’t hate you. If you are a victim of ‘evil actions of others’ know this. God hates the evil as much as you do. Every blow you receive, be it emotional or physical, hurts him as well. Why? Because even though God hates evil actions, he loves people.
Tucked away in the second part of this proverb is another truth each of us can lean on. The English translation doesn’t quite do it justice. The phrase ‘but he loves those who do what is right’ could be better paraphrased as ‘God takes joy in those who strive to do what is right.’
Fact of the matter is, all of us are evil. Some are evil in their actions. Others are evil in their refusal to work towards forgiveness. Some are evil in direct rebellion to God, others are evil because their actions, while well-meaning, are contrary to the love and acceptance of God.
If you are in an abusive situation today; if you are struggling with addiction; if you are living a secret life that terrifies you, know this. God hates your actions, he doesn’t hate you. He is passionately, madly in love with you. You are worth the fight he’s making to bring you to himself.
It may surprise you but here is another truth. God doesn’t expect you to be perfect, he knows your humanity will keep you from that. He does, however desire to help you live as holy as you can through his Son, Jesus Christ.
PRAYER: Father God, thank you for your promise to love me no matter what. I’m tired of hearing people put me down because I struggle with things I know you hate. Help me to live in holiness and to forgive those who have hurt me because I know this is the ‘right thing to do’. Amen.
Mike Fisk & Built with Grace 
6 comments
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December 16, 2011 at 9:02 pm
pbus1
Thank you Mike! Another great post! It’s so good to know the Lord loves me, even in spite of myself. Though unworthy, God sent His Son, and His Son gave His life to die in my place. What a Savior!
Paulette
December 16, 2011 at 10:29 pm
Mike Fisk
Thanks Paulette. It is good to remember how much we are loved. The fact that he looks more at our progress then our position is also refreshing. God Bless!
Mike
January 18, 2012 at 2:37 pm
deborah
But the Bible says over and over that God hates evil men
January 18, 2012 at 2:38 pm
deborah
But the Bible says in many places that God hates evil men. Does that mean He doesn’t?
January 18, 2012 at 2:38 pm
deborah
I personally hate pedophiled rapists and murderers. I cannot help it I just do. How can I love a pedophile?
January 18, 2012 at 11:21 pm
Mike Fisk
Hi Deborah, Thank you for replying to my blog and for stopping by. You made three comments. I hope you don’t mind me addressing them all with this reply. If you would like to ‘discuss’ this further in a more ‘private’ manner I invite you to write me at my personal email address (mdfisk@gmail.com). I don’t recall any places in the Bible where God says he hates evil people. If you do, please send me the reference. I do see several places in scripture where God states his hatred for how people have treated other people. He hates their actions, but I don’t believe it says he hates them. I don’t know if you are a parent, I am. There were several times when my kids were growing up when I was very unhappy, even angry at thier behavior and actions. Sometimes I even had to discipline them. Sometimes I had to allow them to suffer the consequences of their actions. But in all that I never stopped loving them. That’s how I see God’s response to evil men (people). He absolutely hates their actions, but he loves them because they (we) are his creation, his masterpiece, his children. Jesus teaches us in Matthew 5 that if a man gets angry with his brother he’s guilty of murder. James teaches us that if a man stumbles in just one word that he says, he’s guilty of breaking the whole law. Paul says all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. I believe that these scriptures (and others) teach us a fundamental truth. Sin is sin. Period. In God’s eyes there are no little sins and big sins. He hates the fact that children and women are abused. He hates the fact that although we can produce enough food for the entire world to eat, people are starving because of greed and political rivalry. He hates the actions of terrorists and abusive people. But, he loves the people. The Bible teaches us that Hell was created originally for Satan and his angels. But because men reject his forgiveness through Jesus Christ, they are subject to his wrath as well. The only hope any of us have is the forgiveness of Jesus Christ. Now, your second question is a tough one I have to admit. How can I love a pedophile or a terrorist or someone who does hateful things? I don’t believe that love necessarily means trust. My humanness won’t allow me to love someone who does hateful things. The only way I can do that is through the grace and power I gain from Jesus Christ, through his Holy Spirit working in me. That’s a long answer to a short reply but I hope that helps. I welcome further comments from you. Thanks again for stopping by. God Bless. Mike