Nang
TOL Subscriber
toldailytopic: Is hate always a bad thing?
Not always. I'll let the bible do the talking. There are two kinds of hate that the bible talks about.
There is Righteous hatred...Psalms 139:22 I hate them with perfect hatred; I count them my enemies
This "perfect" hatred expressed by King David in Psalm 139:22 is defined as not aiding and abetting the ungodly in their enmity against God and His spiritual children.
"You shall not seek their peace nor their prosperity all your days forever." Deuteronomy 23:6
". . Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the Lord? . ." II Chronicles 19:2
"Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship wit the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God." James 4:4
So this "perfect" hatred is defined as moral and Godly opposition. It certainly is not license to emotionally despise or harm others with vitriol.
For those who appear to be at enmity against God and act as His enemies today, may receive the grace of God tomorrow, and end up our brethren:
"You shall not abhor an Edomite, for he is your brother. You shall not abhor an Egyptian, because you were an alien in his land. The children of the third generation born to them may enter the assembly of the Lord." Deuteronomy 23:7-8
IOW's even while opposing wickedness, we are to respect our fellow man, for even the ungodly serve God's good purposes. This alone is what defines "perfect" hatred.
It is my opinion that emotional displays of hatred are not healthy, and harms us in the spirit, as much as it harms others. That is why I do not think advocating "Smackdown" is wise or good or a beneficial approach to proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Nang