Divine Love

Divine love is a central theme in the Bible, reflecting God's nature and His relationship with humanity. The Bible portrays God's love as unconditional, sacrificial, and eternal. In 1 John 4:8, it is stated, "Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love." This verse underscores the essence of God's character as love itself. God's love is demonstrated through His actions, most notably in the sending of His Son, Jesus Christ, for the salvation of mankind. John 3:16 declares, "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."

The love of God is also described as steadfast and enduring. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word "hesed" is often used to describe God's covenantal love, which is loyal and faithful. Psalm 136 repeatedly emphasizes, "His loving devotion endures forever," highlighting the perpetual nature of God's love for His people.

Divine love is not only directed towards individuals but also towards His creation as a whole. In Genesis 1, God creates the world and declares it "very good," reflecting His love and care for all He has made. This love calls for a response from humanity, as seen in the greatest commandment: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind" (Matthew 22:37).

Divine Hate

While divine love is a predominant theme, the Bible also speaks of God's hate, which is often misunderstood. Divine hate is not capricious or malevolent but is a righteous response to sin and evil. Proverbs 6:16-19 lists things the Lord hates, including "a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies, and a person who stirs up conflict in the community." These verses illustrate that God's hate is directed towards actions and attitudes that are contrary to His holy nature.

In Malachi 1:2-3 , God says, "I have loved Jacob, but Esau I have hated." This statement reflects God's sovereign choice and His opposition to those who reject His ways. It is important to understand that divine hate is not equivalent to human hatred, which is often rooted in sin. Instead, it is a just and holy aversion to sin and rebellion.

Romans 1:18 states, "The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people who suppress the truth by their wickedness." Here, God's wrath, which can be seen as an expression of divine hate, is directed towards ungodliness and unrighteousness, emphasizing His commitment to justice and righteousness.

The Interplay of Love and Hate

The interplay between divine love and hate is complex yet coherent within the biblical narrative. God's love and hate are not contradictory but are aspects of His perfect nature. His love is extended to all, offering redemption and reconciliation through Jesus Christ. At the same time, His hate towards sin underscores His holiness and justice.

In the New Testament, the call to love is paramount, yet believers are also urged to "hate what is evil; cling to what is good" (Romans 12:9). This reflects the biblical understanding that love and hate, when aligned with God's character, are not mutually exclusive but are part of a righteous life.

Ultimately, divine love and hate serve to fulfill God's redemptive purposes, drawing humanity towards holiness and away from sin. Through understanding these attributes, believers are called to reflect God's love in their lives while maintaining a righteous aversion to sin.