August Abomination

Can God be offended? That is a great question to consider in a world where we see protests rise up on a regular basis because of an “offended” party.

To offend someone is to displease them. Can God be displeased? Are there people, things, relationships, acts, and characteristics which can offend God?

We can picture God as a merciful God who is good, loving, slow to anger, and abundant in grace. We would picture God accurately with this assessment. How can this God ever be offended?

The Bible uses a more powerful word than “offend” in describing God’s attitude toward anything that is contrary to His nature. He describes these people, things, acts that are detestable to Him as abominations.

Not only is God offended by certain actions, people, characteristics – He considers them extremely hated . . . even detestable.

The reason God considers them so awful is because they are opposite of His nature. We, who are Christians, were born again by the Spirit of God at conversion. We were given the nature of God. We were given the same nature that is in God. Therefore, we should consider our “offended radar” on two levels.

Are the actions, attitudes, and characteristics I portray in the same nature as God?
Am I offended, as God is, with certain actions, attitudes, and characteristics I encounter?

There are multiple places in Scripture which specifically state traits which offend God, are detestable to Him, and valued as abominations to Him. The list that is most concise is found in Proverbs 6:16-19:

A proud look
A lying tongue
Hands that shed innocent blood
A heart that deviseth wicked imaginations
Feet that be swift in running to mischief
A false witness that speaketh lies
He that soweth discord among brethren

Let us examine ourselves thoroughly and consistently on the items stated in this list and in all Scripture. Let us find these items as detestable in our life as God does. May we find encounters with these items as much of an abomination as God does.

Prayer: Dear God, may Your nature be so found in us that we are thoroughly brought into conformity with You so that what offends You, offends us. Enable us to not do what You wouldn’t do. May the things you consider abominations be abominations to us also. Fill us completely with your nature. Amen