The world is reeling today after the gruesome and public assassination of perhaps one of the most popular political commentators of our time. This comes only days after video footage was released of an innocent woman helplessly bleeding out on a light rail train after being attacked by a repeat offender with a knife. These events have led many to draw comparisons and contrasts to the death of a man that sparked riots and protests across the nation back in 2020.

What we are all feeling is outrage. When you see horrific images of violence perpetrated against the innocent, it awakens feelings of rage and incensed anger—emotions woven into our very being by a Creator who hates injustice.

Here's the reality:

Some things are worth hating. God's wrath is an outpouring of His perfect love. His righteous anger reflects His standard of justice. But as I write this today, it's important to keep in mind the call of God not only to hate sin and seek justice—but also His calls to abandon vengeance, forgive others, and pursue unity with one another.

THE WORD

7 THINGS THE LORD HATES—AND WE SHOULD TOO

1. HAUGHTY EYES

At the root of virtually every sin is unchecked pride. “Haughty” refers to arrogance or the assumption that one is superior to others. Jesus demonstrated the opposite when He came to earth. John 1 says that though the world was created through Him, it did not recognize Him. Philippians 2 tells us that though He was God, He did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage.

God hates pride—and we should too. But before you pass judgment, take note: this is not about evaluating the motives and intentions of others. This is about self-examination. We are to hate the pride in ourselves.

Anyone unconvinced of their own pride is the most enslaved by it.

Pride doesn't grow—it swells. Slowly enough to go unnoticed, but large enough to affect our every outlook and thought. I caution you: before jumping headfirst into the comment section to argue about recent tragedies—screaming about politics, gun rights, or skin color—wage war against your pride.

James 4 tells us that the fighting among us is a result of neglecting the fight within us. Beware of haughty eyes caused by a prideful heart.

2. A LYING TONGUE

One of God’s top ten commandments is “You shall not bear false witness.” Lying is the language of the devil. Jesus says as much in John 8. When the devil speaks, he deceives. That means when we lie—whether it's stretching the truth, exaggerating a story, or fabricating details—we are speaking his native tongue.

“Now you’re speaking my language!” is a phrase that means “I feel connected to you.” When we speak someone's language, we invite them into deeper relationship. That’s what we do every time we speak the language of Heaven—worship. The manifest presence of the Lord often comes when He is lifted up because we’re speaking His language!

So what happens when we spew lies? We give an open invitation to the enemy to work in our lives.

When Jesus stood before Pilate, Pilate asked, “What is truth?” Ironically, Truth was staring him in the face. It’s not enough to simply avoid lying—we must know and love the truth.

3. HANDS THAT SHED INNOCENT BLOOD

From the first murder of Abel to the martyrdom of the saints in Revelation, the shedding of innocent blood stirs God's wrath in the most consequential way. God told Cain that the blood of his brother cried out from the ground. There’s a resounding echo when innocent life is taken.

When the world watched a man seemingly die under the knee of an officer five years ago, it sparked outrage in nearly every major city. Yesterday's events in Utah have sparked similar outrage online, as many reel at the idea that a man could lose his life for holding strong convictions, sharing them publicly, and inviting open dialogue.

We should be outraged when life is taken without due process—regardless of who it is. I have zero reservations calling abortion the taking of innocent life. It’s murder, and God hates it.

The interesting word here is innocent. According to the Gospel, none of us are innocent. We are all guilty before God. But that's the key: before God. God gives life and can take it—it is just when He does. But when man takes life into his own hands, he removes God from the judgment seat and places himself there.

Murder is not only injustice against a person—it’s rebellion against God.

Though the blood of many cries out to us now, the blood of Jesus speaks a better word. His blood cries out from the cross: “Forgiven. Grace. Mercy. Peace.” In the midst of all the turmoil, now more than ever, we must listen to the blood of Jesus.

4. A HEART THAT DEVISES WICKED SCHEMES

In a court of law, premeditated crimes are punished more severely. “Premeditated” means the person not only committed the act, but planned and dwelt on it beforehand.

When Jesus came, He didn’t just preach good behavior—He revealed the Father and fulfilled the law. And by fulfilling the law, He called us to a higher standard. Jesus said that if you lust after a woman in your heart, you’ve already committed adultery. Why? Because the sin committed by your hands begins in your heart.

Proverbs 4 tells us the heart is the wellspring of life. We must steward what comes into our hearts and what we allow to stay there.

Even as you read this, heed my words: today, you will be tempted to harbor deep-seated anger and bitterness. You’ll see words and actions that enrage you to the point of hatred—against people or their groups, ideologies, or affiliations.

Do not fall prey to what God hates. What happened in Charlotte and Utah this week must drive us to our knees—not to conflict, but to prayer.

5. FEET THAT ARE QUICK TO RUSH INTO EVIL

God is a planner. Genesis 1–2 shows His intentionality in creation. Maybe that’s especially obvious to people like me who love organization and structure—but Scripture confirms it. Proverbs praises the ant for its forethought and planning.

We, by contrast, are naturally prone to evil. Isaiah says we all, like sheep, go astray. Our default is destruction. That’s why we must plan to do what is right—otherwise, we will rush into evil without a second thought.

Over the years, I’ve watched many teens and young people throw their lives away with one impulsive decision made in a moment of rage or passion. Feet that rush into evil are the result of a heart that has drifted from God.

6. A FALSE WITNESS WHO POURS OUT LIES

Interesting that lying appears twice. Is this the same as a "lying tongue"? Not exactly. Perhaps that's why the author started with"6 things... no 7!" In all actuality that's just a poetic tool for dramatic emphasis. However I do think there is some variation between a lying tongue and a false witness.

A lying tongue may stretch the truth; a false witness lies with intention to condemn the innocent. A witness is someone trusted for their truthfulness. In court, their word helps determine guilt or innocence.

Lying is disgraceful but lying to condemn the innocent is demonic.

The Bible calls Satan the accuser, and Revelation describes him hurling accusations at believers day and night. A false witness is the devil’s accomplice. Hear me, people of God: when we are quick to accuse others and assume their motives, we participate in the enemy’s schemes. The Kingdom cannot function without trust in God that leads to trust in one another.

7. A PERSON WHO STIRS UP CONFLICT IN THE COMMUNITY

God hates division. I do too, but I also hate multiplication, addition, subtraction and all other forms of math. Ok, sorry that was my one joke.

From the beginning, the enemy sought to divide God from man and man from man. After the fall, Adam blamed Eve—and even seemed to blame God for giving her to him!

Agreeing with the enemy’s lies causes us to adopt the enemy’s plans. Over the years, I’ve seen people unknowingly used by the devil to stir up division. I’ve seen it in myself, too. Jesus even called Peter out: “Get behind me, Satan!”

Just as we are capable of being used by God, we are just as capable of being used by the enemy.

Community requires commitment to unity.We only remain the body Christ calls us to be if we fight for unity—and that takes work.

CONCLUSION

We're living in a pivotal time in history. We are the first generation with the ability to see what’s happening around the world in real time—and to respond instantly.

To all who read this: I urge you, heed the warnings of God's Word. You have no right to hate what He hates unless you're also willing to love what He loves.

God loves the sinner.

God loves the murderer.

God loves the broken, the rebellious, the lost, the hurting.

God loves the person on the opposite side of the political aisle from you.

God loves the person whose ideology is radically different from yours.

God is able to hate righteously because He is able to love fiercely.

Pray for our nation. Only the grace of God will see us through.