You’re right when you say God is a loving God–and the reason is because love is part of His nature or character. The Bible says, “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love” (1 John 4:8).

But you’re also right when you say God hates the devil–and that will give you a clue about what else He hates. To put it simply, the one thing God hates is sin. Sin can take many forms, from the most degrading habit to the most refined form of pride. But whatever form it takes, God hates sin. The Bible says, “Again and again I sent my servants the prophets, who said, ‘Do not do this detestable thing that I hate!'” (Jeremiah 44:4).

Why does God hate sin? God hates sin because it is rebellion–rebellion against Him and His glory. He hates sin because He is righteous and absolutely pure. Most of all, He hates sin because of what it does to His creation–especially us. God loves us, and He despises the way sin corrupts us and hurts us.

But God’s hate is not like our hate. God’s hate isn’t a raw emotion, or something vicious and hurtful. Yes, God hates sin–but He loves the sinner. He loves us so much that He sent His only Son into the world to die for our sins. The Bible says, “The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work” (1 John 3:8). Have you put your faith and trust in Christ? Don’t let sin rule over you any longer, but give your life to Him today.