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S. Michael Houdmann
Supporter
Biblically speaking, there are positive and negative aspects to hatred. It is acceptable to hate those things that God hates; indeed, this is very much a proof of a right standing with God. "Let th...
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Janet Hegna
Supporter
1 John 3:15: Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. I believe the Greek definition of hate is to love less. I'm not sure if this fits here, but think about how powerful that is considering that God is love. I think if you truly love in your heart, there's no room for hate, murder, slander, adultery, abuse, doubt, unbelief, etc. Be blessed.
Ben Jones
Supporter
What does the Bible say about hate? Proverbs 6:16 thru 19: "There are six things the LORD hates—no, seven things he detests: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill the innocent, a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong, a false witness who pours out lies, a person who sows discord in a family." Psalm 5:5: "Therefore, the proud may not stand in your presence, for you hate all who do evil." Psalm 45:7: "You love justice and hate evil..." Psalm 139 19 thru 22: "O God, if only you would destroy the wicked! Get out of my life, you murderers! They blaspheme you; your enemies misuse your name. O LORD, shouldn’t I hate those who hate you? Shouldn’t I despise those who oppose you? Yes, I hate them with total hatred, for your enemies are my enemies." Ecc 3:8: [There is] "A time to love and a time to hate. A time for war and a time for peace." Mal 2:16: "For I hate divorce..." Isaiah 1:14: "I hate your new moon celebrations and your annual festivals. They are a burden to me. I cannot stand them!" Luke 14:26: “If you want to be my disciple, you must hate everyone else by comparison—your father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple."
Jack Gutknecht
Supporter
I like this question because we're discussing Micaiah this week in our small group Bible study (1 Kings 22; 2 Chronicles 18). The king hated him for telling the truth. In his case, the truth hurt. What does the Bible say about hate—especially as seen in Ahab hating Micaiah (1 Kings 22:8), and in light of Jesus' teachings and apostolic witness? What the Bible teaches about hatred-- 1. Hatred for God's truth is common in the world Ahab hated Micaiah because the prophet told him what he didn’t want to hear. He spoke God's truth, not flattering lies. Paul experienced the same thing when he asked, “Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth?” (Galatians 4:16). Many people treat those who speak truth as enemies. Jesus said, “The world hates me because I testify that its works are evil” (John 7:7). He warned his followers that the world would hate them too (John 15:18-19; 17:14). This shows that rejecting God's messengers is typical in a sinful world. 2. Hatred reveals what’s in the human heart According to John 3:19-21, people love darkness and hate the light because their deeds are evil. The truth doesn’t just annoy them—it exposes them. That’s why both Jesus and Micaiah were hated. 3. Hatred can be righteous when directed at evil Not all hatred is sinful. Psalm 97:10 says, “O you who love the Lord, hate evil.” Psalm 139:21-22 describes hating those who hate God, not out of personal bitterness, but moral indignation. Biblical hatred, when not driven by revenge or pride, can be a holy rejection of sin. 4. Personal hatred is condemned as a work of the flesh Scripture consistently condemns hateful attitudes toward people. Galatians 5:20 includes hatred in the list of the flesh’s works. First John 3:15 says that anyone who hates his brother is a murderer. First John 4:20 warns that claiming to love God while hating others makes a person a liar. We are to hate sin, not people. ** Ahab’s hatred in context Ahab didn’t just dislike Micaiah—he rejected the Word of God. His hatred grew from pride, rebellion, and his refusal to accept correction. That pattern repeats today. People often reject faithful messengers, not because the message is false, but because it is faithful. The real test of a faithful witness isn't popularity—it’s whether the message lines up with God’s truth. Often, the more faithful someone is, the more resistance they face. A hymn which I found works here-- “God is still on the throne… he never forsaketh his own…” God is still on the throne, And He will remember His own; Tho’ trials may press us and burdens distress us, He never will leave us alone; God is still on the throne, He never forsaketh His own; His promise is true, He will not forget you, God is still on the throne. --Mrs. Frederick W. Suffield -- hymn, "God is Still on the Throne" (based on 1 Kings 22:19) Even when God’s people are hated, God sees, remembers, and upholds them. Jesus said, “You will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved” (Matthew 10:22). So take heart. Truth may make you enemies, but it never makes you alone.
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