Who should we hate?
Whose name should go to the top of our lists?
Really.  Who?

What should we hate, so much so, that we flee, running in the opposite direction, just as we should?
HATE.  It is an ugly word; in fact, “hate” reigns right up there with the word “stupid” on the household list of dirty words we just should not say.  As in “I hate you.” OR “He’s just stupid.”

YEP—DIRTY.
YEP—SOAP-MOUTH-WASHING WORDS, FOR SURE.

However, we live in a world where the word “hate” is common and even accepted by many as an okay action, and as an action that even gives legs to a purpose or cause.

For example—

People may “hate” a new local, state, or federal ruling, so they protest, march, grumble, and complain during conversations with others–BUT–they choose to not PRAY over the ruling they choose to hate.
People may “hate” a new leadership, so they stand apart from the one leading, not lending a hand, not getting down on their knees to pray for the new leader–BUT–choosing instead to badmouth the leadership they now find reason to hate.

As we can imagine, the Bible has much to say about the action of “HATE” about how this action has the power to destroy. 
Do not believe me but believe the Holy Word of God.
Jesus, when speaking to us about our personal relationships, reminds us with these words—

“You have heard that it was said, “YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR and hate your enemy,”
But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
so that you may be sons [and daughters] of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 
For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have?   Do not even the tax collectors do the same.
If you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others?  Do not even the Gentiles do the same?
Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

(Matthew 5: 43-48)

• We can learn to purposefully HATE the single one we are called to HATE—BECAUSE…
• We can change.
• We can become more like Jesus and begin to display the godly characteristics Jesus spoke of during His sermon on the mountaintop.
• We are called to not hate others but to love.
• We are called to not judge the actions of those who do not know Christ as Savior but to love.
• We are called to not ridicule the actions of our Christian brothers and sisters who struggle with sin as we do, but we are to love.

Jesus clearly gives us a list of characteristics we should display toward others instead of displaying the action of hate.  When preaching to the crowd on the mountain, he gave them that list AND then Jesus gave them the benefits they would receive.
Today, Jesus provides us with the same promise of benefits for living as His children within this world.
See the promises of God—

“1. Seek Humbleness = CHRISTIANS Shall Inherit the kingdom of heaven.
2. Know we will Mourn = CHRISTIANS Shall Be Comforted.
3. Be Gentle = CHRISTIANS Shall Inherit the earth.
4. Seek Right Living as we Seek Food & Drink = CHRISTIANS Shall Be Satisfied. 
5. Show Mercy Toward Others = CHRISTIANS Shall Receive God’s Mercy.
6. Relate to Others with a Heart that strives to be Pure = CHRISTIANS Shall See God.
7. Strive to Get Along & Live in Peace with Everyone  = CHRISTIANS Shall Be Called the Sons & Daughters of God.
8. Forgive those who Insult & Persecute & Falsely Accuse us (because of our Christianity) = CHRISTIANS Will Receive the kingdom of heaven & Live Forevermore within the Presence of Almighty God.”

(Matthew 5:3-10)

Let us remember what we are called to do & to not do.

We are NOT called to display actions or speak words or think thoughts of HATE against other people who live on earth.

We are NOT even called to think thoughts of HATE against ourselves.
Let us place our true hatred where it belongs—against our true enemy—the devil.
WHY?
Satan desires more than anything to destroy our witness, our lives, and our inner joy.
The devil knows he cannot steal our soul away from God, so he wants everything else!

Satan will use all of his might to steal (our witness, our lives, & our joy in the Lord).

As we journey home to heaven—
Let us not hate ourselves OR those who struggle as we do (flesh and blood people we live among)—BUT—

Let us get on our knees and talk with God about our sinful heart. &

Let us get into God’s Word and dwell there with Him. &

Let us HATE our true enemy—Satan, the ultimate enemy of God.