There is only one kind of hatred that is life giving. It is a hatred for evil.
This hatred is not aimed at others. It is aimed at every attempt to persuade us that something which God calls evil is good.
It is intolerant toward “strangers” that want access, through our eyes and ears, into the holy temple of our body and spirit.
It is merciless toward every sin that would beg for even a small, safe corner in our life.
It judges, scorns and ridicules every deviation from God’s holy law that would appear before our eyes as a recourse for our hands or feet.
It seeks revenge on every un-Christlike thought that could formulate in our mind and slays it before it would exit our mouth.
This hatred is what the Bible refers to as the fear of the Lord. No one walks in the fear of the Lord who does not have this hatred for evil in their own life. And what is the benefit of having such a holy hatred? Life and satisfaction in the presence of God like nothing this world can ever offer.
“The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.” (Proverbs 8:13)
“The fear of the LORD tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.” (Proverbs 19:23)
“Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the LORD all the day long.” (Proverbs 23:17)