This verse speaks of an incredible privilege Christians have… we’ve been placed into the family of God. What an honor to be in God’s tribe. As a tribal member, though, we have responsibilities. One specific responsibility is that we are to LOVE the things God loves and HATE the things God hates. So, let’s look at this a minute…
What does God love? Of course, there are many things but one thing He loves from the depths of His heart is Israel and the Jewish people. In recent days, antisemitism has grown exponentially, especially with the younger generation. And there’s also a theology that has crept into the church called Replacement Theology… a theology that teaches that God has replaced Israel with the Church. Nothing could be further from the truth. Biblical prophecy points to Israel. The gospel is birthed from Israel. Therefore, we need to stand beside Israel and support those who support Israel. We should vote for candidates who stand with Israel.
In addition to Israel, God loves His people, His Word, the Church. He also loves righteousness, unity, mercy, grace, and kindness. So should we.
What does God hate? We know that hates sin, right? And one sin that Paul seems to hone in on to the church at Corinth is sexual sin. Sexual sin is ANYTHING outside the biblical definition of sex. Sex was designed to be between a man and woman INSIDE the bounds of marriage. Anything else is sin. Oh, but we’re going to get married. We love each other and God is all about love. The law is not on our side. We don’t need a piece of paper – we’re married in God’s eyes. We cannot justify our sin… if it’s outside God’s design it’s sin, including pornography. I wonder how many men (and women) in the church are quietly addicted to porn. Paul says to “Run from sexual sin” (1 Corinthians 6:18)!
God also hates division, backbiting, gossip, pride, selfish ambition, idolatry, hypocrites, and abusing power. We must stand with God and hate the things he hates.
Let this be your prayer today: “Lord, thank you for inviting me into Your family. I stand with you. I will always love what You love and hate What you hate. And in the areas I have grown soft, please help me. In Jesus Name, Amen.”