I hate foam mattresses! The feel of them creeps me out big time. I can't touch them or even watch somebody touch one. Kimberly has been known to chase me around the house with one before just to aggravate me. I don't know when it started or why but I hate foam mattresses.

Hate is a pretty strong word. You might have had your parents scold you before for saying you hated your sibling. There aren't many situations where we as humans can use the word hate justifiably. Did you know there are things God hates? God can use the word hate, and when He does we should probably pay attention. If God hates something that means it's horrible beyond belief.

Lets peak into the book of Proverbs at a passage where God uses the word hate - "There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him; 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

God sounds serious to me. These are not things that just make God a little upset. These are not things that cause God a slight irritation. These are things that God hates! That means He can have nothing to do with these and they are opposite of who he is. Let's break them down and reword them a little.

Here is the tough part. Lets look back through this list and ask some personal questions:

Do you have a proud and arrogant heart? God hates that.

Do you lie and deal falsely with others? God hates that.

Are you quick to injure others physically, emotionally or verbally? God hates that.

Does your heart think up and plan sinful, vengeful, selfish acts? God hates that.

Are you quick to rush into wrong and disobey God? God hates that.

Do you miss-represent and lie about yourself and others? God hates that.

Do you cause trouble and harm among families, others or your own? God hates that.

As floored as I am by this list, lets not run and hide. God makes a distinction that it is these things and not us that He hates. God doesn't hate you and I. He is filled with love and grace for us. But He hates the sin and destruction that we can be a part of in this world if we are disobedient.

It's ok if you forget the fact that I hate foam mattresses. However, the words of God should be written on our hearts. May you be challenged this week to examine your heart and your actions.

-Josh