Hatred OF Evil or PRODUCING Evil?

I’ve often wondered how Esau adjusted after Jacob escaped his wrath. Esau initially hated Jacob and planned to kill him. Two types of hatred confront us. One kind of hatred produces evil, wickedness and sin and derives pleasure from the suffering of others. By contrast, Proverbs 8:13 clearly states, “to fear God is to hate evil.”

The more that hatred dominates our consciousness, the more our capacity for empathy and compassion fades away. Hate that delights in the failure or destruction of another person is sick. Likewise, if feelings of joy surface when those hated by us experience pain and suffering, then our hearts and souls have become contaminated.

Thank God that you hate evil and love righteousness. When evil feelings of hate do surface within you, it’s imperative to confess them to God. Do everything within your power to make things right with those who are the recipient of your anger and hatred. It may appear impossible, but not with God's guidance, his redemption and deliverance.  

Warning! Deception Contaminates

Abraham told Egyptian border agents Sarah was his sister when, in reality, she was his wife. He believed these officials would kill him and take Sarah, for she was unusually beautiful. Decades later when Laban, Jacob’s future father-in-law, hoodwinked him into marrying Leah, Rachel’s older sister, Laban rationalized his action by saying Leah should be married first.

  

Deceptive behavior contaminates integrity and the ability to make appropriate judgement calls. Laban, Leah’s father, evidently convinced himself he was helping her find a husband who would provide for her and give him grandchildren. Little did he know what this act of deception would ultimately cost him.   

While God allows deception and dishonesty to be practiced, he never permits it to be hidden indefinitely. It is within the wisdom of God for sin be acknowledged, confessed and forgiven. While Abraham wasn't blameless in his walk with God, he believed God and in faith turned from his sins. This act of faith was counted by God as righteousness. 

Inner Conflict? Let God Help - Part 1

Anger is a common emotion experienced by everyone. Out-of-control anger can destroy marriages and friendships. Anger turned inward, kept hidden or expressed in subtle ways, tends to isolate people emotionally. Anger causes inner turmoil that’s expressed as irritation with self and others. Inner conflict can be disconcerting, making peace difficult to achieve.

Someone observed that anger is analogous to “meeting the enemy, and it’s us.” We can be our own worst enemy. Benjamin Franklin’s wise counsel is to “Love your enemies for they’ll tell you your faults.” When our defects are hidden, we become vulnerable to anger whenever someone comes close to identifying those faults.

God’s word encourages Christians to confess their faults and sins to trusted Christian friends. When inner conflicts produce too much personal strife, seeking professional help can be God’s way of helping you heal from the wounds that produced the anger. You can trust God always to be at work to bring you goodness and peace.