Reconciling Christian Love and Hatred Toward Enemies of God
In an age where progressive thought and postmodernism dominate the cultural and intellectual landscape, Christians often find themselves challenged with the task of navigating their faith amidst conflicting ideologies. One such challenge arises in the form of a perceived paradox between the biblical injunctions to both love and hate the enemies of God.
In Psalm 139:21-22, David, a man after God's own heart, writes:
21 Do I not hate those who hate you, O Lord?
And do I not loathe those who rise up against you?
22 I hate them with complete hatred;
I count them my enemies.
And then in the New Testament, we see Jesus telling us (Matthew 5:43-48:
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you...
But was this Jesus introducing the modern progressive notion of love, tolerance, and acceptance? This dilemma is further complicated by the progressive mantra "love trumps hate," which, while seemingly noble, oversimplifies and misrepresents the biblical understanding of these complex emotions. The issue at hand is not a binary choice between love and hate but a profound theological question that demands a deep exploration of God's nature as revealed in Scripture.
The Psalms and the Gospels provide us with these contrasting yet complementary perspectives on how to engage with those who oppose God. As stated above, Psalm 139:21-22 expresses David's intense disdain for the enemies of God, a sentiment that stems from a deep zeal for God's honor. But this is not a petty or personal animosity but a reflection of a heart that is, while not completely sanctified or yet glorified, aligned with the holiness of God, who is inherently opposed to sin and wickedness.
Conversely, Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5:44 to love our enemies marks a significant clarification of this idea. This command does not negate the Old Testament's stance but rather deepens it, revealing a more profound dimension of God’s character and His redemptive purpose in Christ.
At the core of this discussion is the nature and character of God Himself. Scripture reveals God as infinitely holy and righteous, rendering any sin against Him not only offensive but infinitely detestable. Throughout the Bible, we encounter passages that articulate God's judgment and hatred not just toward sin but toward sinners themselves. This reality demonstrates the severity of sin and the absolute necessity of God’s just response: God doesn't send sin to Hell, he sends sinners to Hell. That might seem harsh to the modern ear but is rooted in the truth of God's unblemished holiness and the gravity of sin.