According to the Holy Bible, there are several things that are described as being hated by God. It’s important to note that the concept of God’s hate should be understood in the context of His perfect righteousness and holiness. While God is described as loving and merciful, there are actions and attitudes that are contrary to His nature and are therefore described as being hated by Him. Here are a few examples:
- Sin: The Bible consistently teaches that God hates sin. Sin is seen as a rebellion against God’s commands and a violation of His holiness. Proverbs 6:16-19 mentions seven things that are detestable to the Lord, including a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, and feet that are quick to rush into evil.
- Pride: The Bible often speaks against pride and emphasizes humility as a virtue. Proverbs 6:16-19 also mentions a proud look as one of the things that are detestable to God. In James 4:6, it says, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”
- Injustice: God is a God of justice, and He hates injustice and oppression. In Isaiah 61:8, it says, “For I, the Lord, love justice; I hate robbery and wrongdoing.” God desires fairness and righteousness in human interactions.
- Idolatry: The Bible consistently condemns the worship of false gods and the making of idols. God commands His people to worship Him alone and detests the worship of idols or anything that takes His place. In Exodus 20:3-5, it says, “You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an idol.”
- Hypocrisy: God hates hypocrisy, which is the act of pretending to be righteous or religious while having an insincere or deceitful heart. Jesus often spoke against the hypocrisy of religious leaders during His earthly ministry.
It’s important to approach the topic of God’s hate with a balanced understanding. While God hates certain actions and attitudes, He is also a God of love, mercy, and forgiveness. The overarching message of the Bible is that God desires people to turn away from sin, repent, and experience His love and grace.
Here are some examples of actions that are considered sinful according to the Holy Bible:
- Adultery: The Bible considers adultery as a violation of the marriage covenant. It is the act of engaging in sexual relations with someone other than one’s spouse. Exodus 20:14 states, “You shall not commit adultery.”
- Theft: Taking someone else’s property without permission or through deceit is considered theft. It goes against the commandment in Exodus 20:15, “You shall not steal.”
- Murder: The intentional taking of another person’s life is a grave sin. It violates the sanctity of human life and the commandment in Exodus 20:13, “You shall not murder.”
- Greed: Greed is an excessive desire for wealth, possessions, or power. It involves putting material possessions above spiritual values and can lead to dishonesty and exploitation. In Colossians 3:5, it says, “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.”
- Slander and Gossip: The Bible speaks against spreading false information, making harmful statements about others, or engaging in gossip. Proverbs 6:19 mentions “a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community” as things that are detestable to God.
- Hatred and Unforgiveness: The Bible teaches the importance of love, forgiveness, and reconciliation. Holding onto hatred and refusing to forgive others is considered sinful. In Matthew 6:14-15, Jesus says, “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
- Dishonesty: Lying, deceit, and dishonesty are condemned in the Bible. Proverbs 12:22 states, “The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.”
- Sexual immorality: The Bible teaches that sexual intimacy is to be reserved for marriage between a man and a woman. Any sexual activity outside the context of marriage, such as premarital sex, adultery, homosexuality, and bestiality, is considered sinful. 1 Corinthians 6:18 states, “Flee from sexual immorality.”
- Drunkenness and substance abuse: The abuse of alcohol or drugs, leading to intoxication and loss of self-control, is condemned in the Bible. Ephesians 5:18 advises, “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery.”
- Coveting: Coveting refers to an intense desire or greed for something that belongs to someone else. It involves envy and discontentment with one’s own possessions or circumstances. The Tenth Commandment in Exodus 20:17 specifically warns against coveting.
- Disobedience to parents: The Bible emphasizes honoring and obeying one’s parents. Disobeying or disrespecting parents is considered sinful. Ephesians 6:1-2 states, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.”
- Divisiveness and discord: The Bible encourages unity, love, and harmony among believers. Engaging in activities that promote division, sow discord, or cause strife within the community is considered sinful. Proverbs 6:19 mentions “a person who stirs up conflict in the community” as something detestable to God.
- Neglecting the poor and needy: The Bible places a strong emphasis on caring for the poor, needy, and marginalized. Neglecting their needs or oppressing them is seen as sinful. Proverbs 14:31 states, “Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.”
- Prideful and unrepentant heart: Pride, arrogance, and refusing to acknowledge one’so own faults or the need for repentance are considered sinful. Proverbs 16:5 states, “The Lord detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.”
These examples provide a glimpse into the various behaviors that are considered sinful according to the Holy Bible. It’s important to note that the Bible also emphasizes forgiveness, salvation, restoration, deliverance and the transformative power of God’s grace when individuals turn away from sinful behaviors and seek to live in accordance with His will. It’s important to study the Scriptures in their entirety to gain a comprehensive understanding of what is considered sinful behavior.