Y-E-S! My month of daily blogging is officially over! Thirty-one daily blogs - now, I need a nap! It’s been a great experience, but it will not be continuing. I am officially done (until the next challenge). In February, I will blog on Sundays and Wednesdays only.
In response to yesterday’s blog featuring the
Christian Democrats of America’s song “What are Your Values?” and the line that
said, “if it is hate, it is not of God.” I had someone tell me that there are
things that God hates. So I would like to explore the things (not people) God hates here:
These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an
abomination unto him:
A proud look, a lying tongue,
and hands that shed innocent blood,
An heart that deviseth wicked
imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,
A false witness that speaketh
lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
Proverbs
6:16-19
- A proud look: Pride – the devil’s sin. I think many of us struggle with this. We get a little bit of power or accomplishment and we think we are better than. Some say, I work hard, why should I pay more taxes than those who earn less? We see a homeless person holding a cardboard sign and mutter, “Get a job!” Someone struggles with a sin that is not a temptation for us and we feel superior. A woman has to work to keep her family off welfare and people say, “A woman’s place in is the home.” I struggle with pride at times myself. Being humble and away from judging others is a constant struggle.
- A lying tongue: not just the big lies. Most people become comfortable telling little white lies. Nope, there are no “little” sins.
- Hands that shed innocent blood: this one is a no-brainer. Everyone I know – whether believer or atheist agrees that murder and violence are wrong.
- An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations: I’m not sure what this is exactly. But I would venture that it can be a lot of things: holding a grudge, lustful thoughts, bitterness, hatred, etc. all those impure thoughts we have to battle against. There have been many – MANY – times when I have abstained from taking communion at church because of my feelings toward another person – lack of forgiveness, anger, etc. Keeping the mind pure and godly is a struggle many of us face.
- Feet that are swift in running to mischief: Do I sometimes say things to get a reaction? Guilty. I tell myself, “I’m just being honest,” but that’s not always my only motivation. What are some other ways feet can run to mischief? Probably many…but I would love to hear from readers some examples ….
- A false witness that speaketh lies: ever heard the saying “snitches get stitches”? Yes, me too. I’m the youngest of five kids. I learned early not to be a tattle-tale. But tattling and bearing false witness are not the same. If something is wrong, speak up. If you are asked what happened, tell the truth! If you are summoned to appear in court, don’t come up with creative ways to avoid bearing the whole truth. If you see an injustice, don’t look away. People are depending on you to do what is right.
- And he that soweth discord among brethren: are you afraid to ask questions about God? Asking questions because you want to discover the truth is not sowing discord. Judging and shunning someone who seeks the truth is sowing discord. Why can’t we have an open, honest search for God’s truth? Nothing is more important than this. But, this may be related to those who spread gossip about other believers. People who cast judgment on others – you’re not God, you’re not the Holy Spirit. If you need to address an issue of sin, do it directly by speaking love into that person’s life. Sowing discord is gossiping behind someone’s back.
What do you think of these things? What can you add?
I would love to hear your thoughts.
On another note: I’d like to wish a happy birthday
to my big sister – in our adult lives we’ve become good friends and I’m so glad
she’s in my life. I love you Karin J
I think the bottom line (as your post suggests) is that God hates sin, not sinners. He is always ready to forgive.
ReplyDeleteYou sure like taking on challenging and emotive topics.
ReplyDelete1st Corinthians 6:9-11 does not use the word hate, but seems rather clear that certain actions would bar a person from entering heaven. Is this wrath or divine retribution? There are certainly references to abominations, which is synonymous with hate.
Galatians 5:19-21, which is very similar to 1st Corinthians, also describes actions that bar entry to heaven.
Of course, you can find as many varying interpretations of these passages as you can in various churches.
I have just heard about your blog. I think you are doing a awesome job.
ReplyDeleteBarb O. just told me about your blog and it's interesting because I was reading/commenting on Dee's blog (commenter just above me). Someone was asking about the church/cult in the PNW and I mentioned Followers of Christ and here I find myself at your blog - coincidence! I'm Julie Anne - formerly from Beaverton, who was sued by my pastor for defamation for speaking out against him. He lost and I continue blogging about spiritual abuse. You're doing a great thing here. Good for you!
ReplyDeleteDee and Julie - thank you both for reading and leaving comments. I appreciate the support :)
DeleteI'm with you on all counts. I'd write more, but ...limited time.
ReplyDelete