Righteous Hatred

10-3-2012 by Boyd Bailey “The righteous hate what is false, but the wicked bring shame and disgrace” (Proverbs 13:5). There is a righteous hatred that rejects what is false. It might be false words, bogus behavior, a counterfeit countenance, a phony friendship, or deceptive dealings. The discernment of the spirit-filled believer rises up to defend integrity. You can’t sit still to shenanigans when you know an agreed-upon code of ethics has been violated. So, how are we to respond to lies and liars? We first look in the mirror, making sure we are honest in our dealings and accurate with our words. Jesus said, “How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye?” (Matthew 7:4). I am required to remove all self-deception before I can clearly see sin in my brother. Self-evaluation precedes confronting false conduct. Furthermore, our heavenly Father expresses holy hatred over what is false. “There are six things the LORD hates…haughty eyes, a lying tongue…a heart that devises wicked schemes” (Proverbs 6:16-18). Because the Almighty abhors artificial acts, we must ask ourselves, “Do I take sin seriously, or do I casually flirt with it?” Loose lips lead to lies and deceit that bring shame and embarrassment. Avoid lies and liars, and you will live in peaceful content. “But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler. Do not even eat with such people” (1 Corinthians 5:11). Lastly, in your business, ministry, and testimony remove all appearance of fraud and falsehood. Free yourself from image management with full disclosure and transparency. Create a culture that exposes any hint of conflict of interest. Lies examined under light melt away. Hate dishonesty; reward honesty. Honesty is the only policy for the people of God. “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body” (Ephesians 4:25). Prayer: Dear Lord, what areas of my life and work need to grow in honesty and forthrightness? Related Readings: Judges 16:11; Psalm 119:163; Colossians 3:9; Revelation 21:8