“I hate them with perfect hatred; I count them my enemies. Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:22-24)
In the mixed up way in which this world thinks, we often think of our faith in terms of the world rather than in terms of what the Lord has said. Christians do not hate others. Hate the sin, the wickedness and the actions of wicked men. Yes, each person is loved by God, but do not let the world get into your thinking so that you would accept what is unacceptable. In other words, lean on the Lord mightily.
Lord, I do not know how to do this. Yes, I know how to become sinfully angry at my neighbor. I know how to think wicked thoughts. But lead me away from my thoughts and into Your thoughts. Lead me to love You and all that You have created such that I see things through Your eyes. Guide me to know Your goodness by practicing it and doing what is pleasing in Your sight.
Lord Jesus, You demonstrated the full range of emotions in Your ministry. You have created us in Your image. Teach me what is right and what is wrong. Teach me the places to be and where not to be that it would be You who defines my faith and not the wicked in this world. Guide me according to Your goodness to come into Your grace and mercy and reside there all the days of my life. Amen.
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