God Hates - One Year of Dinner Table Devotions and Discussion Starters

God Hates

There are six things the LORD hates—no, seven things he detests: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill the innocent, a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong, a false witness who pours out lies, a person who sows discord in a family.

Proverbs 6:16-19

Every family has words that can’t be used—inappropriate words, hurtful words. There are some families that don’t allow the word hate because it is a very strong word and is often used in hurtful ways. But did you know that there are some things God hates? And we know that everything God does is perfect and right. Because God is so good, we want to love what God loves and hate what God hates. So what does God hate, and what does God love?

Solomon gave us a list of seven things God hates: (1) God hates pride that is so much a part of a person that others can see it in his or her eyes. He hates the way that person looks down on other people. God loves humility. (2) God hates lies and loves the truth. (3) God hates murder because he created life and made it sacred. (4) God hates hearts that are passionate about finding new ways to sin against him. God loves it when people enjoy pleasing him. (5) God hates feet that run toward sin—not those that trip and fall into it. God loves feet that run toward doing what is right. (6) God hates those who are willing to lie about someone else to make themselves look good. God loves to hear us lift others up. (7) God hates those who enjoy creating disagreements and carelessly hurt other people’s feelings. God loves it when we love each other well.

DISCUSSION STARTERS

The first five things God hates are things that are done by parts of our bodies. What could you do with those body parts instead that would be pleasing to God?

Pick one of the things God hates. Why do you think he feels so strongly about that? How does it reveal his love for you?

What can you do to love others in your family well?