As a parent, it never felt right to allow my children to declare that they detested anything. In fairness, it was usually broccoli or something similar. Occasionally, it can be good as a follower of Christ to ponder what we detest. The question becomes: does our feeling align with God’s? A little later in Solomon’s writing, we see a list of things God hates. In chapter 6 we are introduced to six things He hates, seven that are an abomination to Him. It is okay for us to feel that way when our perspective lines up with His. Notice what this passage—and the others—do not say: that God hates the person. God hates, even detests, sin because of what it does to His loved ones and His creation. I left this thought right here and went to a meeting. In the interim, a young husband and father was assassinated. He is with Jesus now. Someone hated what he said, but they must have also hated him. Shortly after this occurred, my granddaughter wrote a post—something she seldom does: “Two kids lost a father, and there are grown adults on the internet celebrating. Hurtful, hurtful words. Despite who he was to you, he was a father to two kids who clearly loved their dad, and some of you have the audacity to praise the person who took that away from them. He. Was. A. Dad.” Today, detest sin, love people. #BeTheEdge
“‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” – Jesus
