There was never a dull moment in my childhood years. You see, there were seven children in our family – three boys and four girls. We lived in a three-bedroom house with one bathroom. Yes . . . one bathroom. As you can imagine, there were occasional disagreements. However, Mom did not allow us to use certain words when we were in the heat of an angry moment, or for that matter, any other time. One of the words was ‘hate.’ In fact, I was just sure ‘hate’ was a four-letter dirty word!

When I read in scripture, “There are six things the Lord hates. Yes, seven are an abomination to Him,” it makes me pause. The Lord hates? How can that be? Our God is defined by love (1 John 4:16). What or who could be so detestable and disgusting they are even hated by God?

These seven things are hated by God, “a proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren” (Proverbs 6:13). We could honestly say most of these actions are not part of our daily living. We’re not apt to shed innocent blood, to devise wicked plans, run to evil, or lie under oath. We have moderately controlled our pride and put lies away from our lips. But the real kicker may be the last in the list – one who sows discord among brethren.

A family reaches the Creator’s expectations when it is united in faith, love and common purpose. This is God’s desire for every home. In the blink of an eye, however, a family may be torn apart by one who draws them into sin, destroying the once blissful unity and love that defined their home. God hates one who would divide a family.

The church meets divine ideals when it is united by faith and tied together with cords of love, but is also vulnerable to discord when members engage in fault-finding, jealousy, gossip and the like. They divide and conquer the body of Christ for their own purposes, or gain, or political maneuvering. Whatever the reason, God hates one who sows discord among brethren.

Mom was right. Hate is a strong word. When our God, who is defined by love, says he hates someone or something, it should make us pause and examine ourselves to see if we are that someone!

Today’s Verse: “…Walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:1-3

Today’s Challenge: I will sow peace and unity in my home – I will not allow Satan to divide my family. I will sow peace and promote unity in the Church – I will not allow Satan to draw me into matters or actions that divide the Church.

Teresa Hampton