Hate is never a godly motivation (1 John 4:20).
God doesn't tell us to mistreat people, call them names, talk about them sarcastically, or beat them up in back alleys.
But there's one type of hate crime our culture encourages: silencing the Truth.
God's commands are given for our good. They're loving and holy, preventing spiritual damage and death to our souls.
If we remain silent about God's moral truths because they aren't popular with the media or the culture, we're being truly hateful.
Why would we want to let men continue in destructive sins without gently and lovingly sharing God's truth with them?
It's like having a cure for cancer but watching cancer patients die without saying a word.
And it's being ashamed of God (Luke 9:26).
"Anyone who rejects [God's instructions about morality] does not reject a human being but God, the very God who gives you his Holy Spirit." 1 Thessalonians 4:8
Let's make sure we avoid all forms of hate.
Bible Study
1. Many of the "hot topics" in our culture revolve around sexual practices. When Christians speak up for God's truth, no matter how gently, they are typically mocked. This passage specifically addresses sexual immorality and God's emphasis on it. List the main points in this passage.
1 Thessalonians 4:3-8: It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; 4 that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable, 5 not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God; 6 and that in this matter no one should wrong or take advantage of a brother or sister. The Lord will punish all those who commit such sins, as we told you and warned you before. 7 For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. 8 Therefore, anyone who rejects this instruction does not reject a human being but God, the very God who gives you his Holy Spirit.
2. The following instructions were given to Titus, a young Christian leader. Do you think most young Christian leaders are eager to teach, encourage, and rebuke in areas that contradict our culture?
Titus 2:11-15: For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. 15 These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.
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