We've been looking at different aspects of God's love. It's time to look at the other side of that coin. So, let me ask this question. Does God hate? We know that He loves a rebellious world and that He loves His people, but does He ever hate?
Well, there is this from Psalm 5
For you are not a God who delights in wickedness; evil may not dwell with you. The boastful shall not stand before your eyes; you hate all evildoers. You destroy those who speak lies; the Lord abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man.
That seems quite strong. The psalmist not only uses the language of 'hate' but also the stronger 'abhor'. And the Psalm is quite clear about the results. 'Destroy' is pretty clear. This reveals something of God's intense antagonism toward sin of whatever sort. And that shows as hatred.
Some are surprised at this idea of God hating. They reject it. But one reason for this surprise is that these folk don't understand who we are. The apostolic teaching is that we all are 'by nature children of wrath'. That is, we start out deserving God's rage at our sin. He really should hate us. What should be the surprise is that He loves anyone. But He does. And it's when a person gets this that the love of God shines. What makes it possible for God to love His people is that He has endured His own wrath, His own hatred of our sin, on the Cross. So, thinking about God's hatred can lead to a greater enjoyment of His love.