How can Psalm 139:21 guide our response to those opposing God's ways? Psalm 139:21 in Focus “Do I not hate those who hate You, O LORD, and detest those who rise against You?” Hating What God Hates—Not Whom He Loves - David’s words express moral revulsion, not personal spite. - Scripture consistently calls God’s people to hate evil itself: - “O you who love the LORD, hate evil.” (Psalm 97:10) - “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.” (Romans 12:9) - The target is rebellion against God, never a denial of another’s worth as His image-bearer (Genesis 1:27). Guardrails for Rightly-Ordered Hatred - Check motive: Is my anger rooted in zeal for God’s honor or wounded pride? - Keep humility: “For we too were once foolish, disobedient…” (Titus 3:3). - Avoid bitterness: “Be angry, yet do not sin.” (Ephesians 4:26). - Let Scripture, not emotions, define evil. Practical Ways to Respond to Opposition • Draw a Clear Line – Refuse participation in practices God calls sin (Ephesians 5:11). • Speak Truth with Courage and Grace – “Preach the word…with great patience and careful instruction.” (2 Timothy 4:2). • Pray for Their Repentance – Paul grieved for enemies of the cross while longing for their salvation (Romans 9:1-3). • Maintain Personal Holiness – “Hating even the garment defiled by the flesh.” (Jude 23). • Show Christlike Love – “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” (Matthew 5:44). Living the Tension: Love People, Loathe Evil - Righteous hatred fuels evangelism; we long for rebels to become worshipers. - It strengthens personal resolve against compromise. - It magnifies God’s holiness, reminding us that He will ultimately judge all wickedness (2 Thessalonians 1:6-8). Moving Forward Psalm 139:21 calls us to align our affections with God’s—hating rebellion, loving righteousness, and meeting opposition with unwavering truth and Christlike compassion. |
    |