Too often individuals and organizations promoting their own sinful agendas accuse Christians of being full of hatred. Some examples of this include the portrayal of Christians as being full of hate when they oppose the murderous act of abortion, the sinful lifestyle of homosexuality or other sexual immorality, or any other sinful yet politically-correct action. Worse, this allegation of hatred toward people is often promoted in the media, resulting in many Christians second-guessing what they know to be right and wrong.

Is it always wrong to hate? Is it wrong when we hate sinful actions? Absolutely not, for God's Word clearly says:
 

Indeed, God hates. Therefore, it is obvious there must be appropriate times to hate. God hates idolatry (Deuteronomy 12:31; Deuteronomy 16:22; Jeremiah 44:2-5); idolatrous celebrations (Isaiah 1:14); violence (Malachi 2:16); those who love violence (Psalm 11:5) haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies, and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers (Proverbs 6:16-19); plotting evil against one's neighbor and swearing falsely (Zechariah 8:17); divorce (Malachi 2:16); meaningless worship (Amos 5:21); the wicked (Psalm 11:5); and all who do wrong (Psalm 5:5). The fact that God hates all wrong doing means He hates all sin.

In addition, there are specific things the Bible instructs us to hate as well. We should hate: Dishonest or ill-gotten gain (Exodus 18:21; Proverbs 28:16); falsehood or what is false (Psalm 119:163; Proverbs 13:5); pride and arrogance (Proverbs 8:13); perverse speech (Proverbs 8:13); bribes (Proverbs 15:27); robbery (Isaiah 61:8); those who cling to worthless idols (Psalm 31:6); deeds of faithless men (Psalm 101:3); bloodshed (Ezekiel 35:6); iniquity (Isaiah 61:8); wickedness (Psalm 45:7; Hebrews 1:9); evil (Psalm 97:10; Proverbs 8:13; Romans 12:9); the practices of those who do evil (Revelation 2:6); even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh (Jude 1:23); and every wrong path (Psalm 119:128).

While those who oppose God and all that is good and right would like to make everyone else think Christianity is a religion of hatred, that just is not true. While it is true that we are not to hate anyone, it is a different matter entirely to hate sinful actions. God is love (1 John 4:8, 16). And Christians are to love and pray for even those who hate and persecute us (Matthew 5:44; Luke 6:27; Romans 12:14). But we cannot and must not ever cross the line and begin loving, approving of, or tolerating the things God hates or then we become among those whom God hates and bring condemnation upon ourselves! We must stand firm upon the truth of God's Word. Indeed, there is a time to love and a time to hate.