To every thing there is a season, and time to every purpose under the heaven…A time to love, and a time to hate (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 8a).
Solomon teaches that there is an appropriate season (duration) and time (point in time) for every activity in which mankind engages. I propose that each activity not only should be performed in God’s time and season but must be the quality of activity that pleases God. I make this proposal because I have been guilty of allowing people and circumstances to evoke responses of love or hate that may have been in time and season, but did not glorify God.
Christian love should be patient, kind, does not envy, does not boast, is not proud, is not rude, is not self-seeking, is not easily angered, keeps no record of wrongs, does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth, always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres. This quality of love never fails (I Corinthians 13:4-8).
What things are appropriate for Christians to hate? Hate what God hates. “These six things doth the LORD hate: Yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren (Proverbs 6:16-19).
Christian should not love or hate as the unbeliever does. Let us examine ourselves to see if we are not only loving and hating at the appropriate time and season, but the manner in which we love or hate pleases God.
Prayer: Father God, help us manage our emotions in such a way that our responses to people and circumstances around us glorify you.
Share your thoughts on “love and hate.” Join the conversation.
Reprinted with permission, this week’s blog is an excerpt from “Praise from the Pews: A 70 Day Devotional” (2017). If you were encouraged by this devotional, you will really be blessed by the other 89 devotionals offered in “Praise from the Pews.” It may be purchased on the home page of this web site and will be shipped to you speedily.