God, if only You would kill the wicked – you bloodthirsty men, stay away from me – who invoke You deceitfully. Your enemies swear by You falsely. Lord, don’t I hate those who hate You, and detest those who rebel against You? I hate them with extreme hatred; I consider them my enemies. Psalm 139:19-22
My words…
David’s words turn suddenly harsh! Pure hatred. The shepherd who spent his evenings writing songs of Your might and majesty, the young man who stood up to the giant who dared to defy You and Your army, the king whose heart was patterned after Yours was incensed by evil committed in Your name by those who hated You. Hated You. They made oaths using Your precious name, and they mocked You. They rebelled against You and enjoyed it. They sought out violence and rejoiced at the sight of a blood-stained sword, knowing You were watching. The constant drip, drip, drip of evil that leaked from them tortured David to the point where he cried out to You to act. Kill them! I completely understand his pain, for those who hate You still roam the earth. I am incensed by reports of murderers, invigorated by the spilled blood of those wearing the name of Your Son, Jesus. They hate You. My heart is pierced by the messages of those who believe You are a myth and that You hold NO sovereignty in heaven or on earth. They mock You. I, who believe You hold me in Your hand and love me with all of Your perfect heart, clench my fists in rage at the actions and language used to debase You. But then… I hear Your voice, Jesus: “Love your enemies.” David didn’t get that message, but I did. From a child, I was taught not to hate. I could hate turnips, but I could never hate a person. So I have spent my life attempting to learn to hate the evil ways without hating the evil-doer. Some days are better than others. I praise You with my heart, soul, and strength because You are the One who endures the attacks yet continues to love the attacker.
