Verb: Feel intense or passionate dislike for (someone)
Noun: Intense or passionate dislike
I feel like as time goes on, certain words seem to lose their true meaning and are watered down or even redefined. One example of a watered down word would be "retarded." It's supposed to describe someone who has down syndrome and now people use it to describe someone who is "stupid." An example of a redefined word is the use of the word "gay". To be gay was once to be happy and now is used to describe someone who is homosexual or is used to replace words like "lame." If I were to break down every term that I use throughout my daily vocabulary I would probably find many more example of these watered down, redefined words. In fact, I've probably used a few just in this short paragraph. Right now, however, I am going to focus on one overused and watered down word: hate.
We use this word all the time. "I hate doing the dishes." "I hate Susie." "I hate green beans." Is this really the appropriate word to be using in these circumstances, though? I mean really. Let's look at some biblical examples of the use of this word.
Hebrews 1:9 (ESV) - You have love righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God has set you above your companions by anointing you with oil of joy."
Proverbs 6:16-19 (ESV) - There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are an abomination to him; haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicket plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.
Matthew 6:24 (ESV) - No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.
Proverbs 8:13 (ESV) - The fear of the the LORD is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate.
Matthew 10:22 (ESV) - And you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endured to the end will be saved.
The bible does not take the word hate lightly. The true meaning of the word is much more intense than how we tend to use it. God uses it to describe how he feels towards evil. It is also used to describe the feelings of the people who were against the work of the people sharing the word of God! Why should we be using the very same word to say how we feel about an unpleasant activity, person or type of food?
So, then, how should we be using the word "hate"? How about in the same way that the bible does? It's not wrong to hate something. You just have to be careful how you use it. It's okay to say that you hate something that is evil but it probably shouldn't be used to describe feelings towards a classmate or the lunch that your mom packed you yesterday.
The reason why I've been so compelled to write on the subject is because I've seen so many "Christians" proclaiming their hatred towards homosexuals and that really makes me so sad! We are not called to hate other people!!! We are called to love all people that God put on this earth. I once heard it said like this: "Hate the sin. Love the sinner." If we run around telling all of the "pagans" that we hate them, how is that going to bring them any closer to the Lord? When ever I'm asked about my stance on homosexuality, I state that I love the person but I do not approve of the lifestyle. This is how I have been raised and this is how I intend to raise my children. That lifestyle shouldn't be an option as it is make clear in the bible.
Leviticus 18:22 (ESV) - You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination.
Leviticus 20:13 (ESV) - If a man lies with a male as with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination they shall surely be put to death; their blood is upon them.
1 Corinthians 6:9-10 (ESV) - Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, not adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.
So God has made it super clear to us that we are not to take a part in homosexuality. Okay. But instead of cursing them and telling them about how they are "going to hell" like some churches, I prefer to use the method of showering God's love.
Proverbs 10:12 (ESV) - Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.
1 Corinthians 16:14 (ESV) - Let all that you do be done in love.
1 John 4:8 (ESV) - Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.
Leviticus 19:18 (ESV) - You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.
1 John 4:12 (ESV) - No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.
I also encourage you to read 1 Corinthians 13. The whole chapter is dedicated to defining love and it is one of my favorite chapters in the whole bible.
I hope that this has helped you to rethink your use of the word "hate" and perhaps use a different word when that one is not appropriate. I know that I will be focusing on it more as well!
To end this post, here's a song that I like. I think that it might help(:
//Brittany Danielle//
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