By Rev. Dr. Chris Surber

God hates child abusers.

That’s right. He hates not only the abuse. He hates the abusers.

I know what you’re probably thinking. God doesn’t hate anything, and He especially doesn’t hate anyone. I mean, isn’t that what the preacher on television says? You know — the one with the giant grin, who keeps telling me how cute God thinks I am. He says that God is love and that God wants to bless me.

The only thing worse than a lie is a half-truth, because it keeps us from the real truth.

This is the truth: God hates things that are against His nature and contrary to His will. God is love, but His love is more complex than a Hallmark card on Valentine’s Day.

But don’t take my intentionally sarcastic word for it. Here is what God’s Word says:

“The LORD detests a perverse man.” (Proverbs 3:32a) “The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in men who are truthful.” (Proverbs 12:22) “Acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent — the LORD detests them both.” (Proverbs 17:15 NIV84)

Do you know what “detests” means? It means “hates,” “abhors” or “loathes.”

Are you still unconvinced that God hates people’s wicked actions? Read on: “There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers.” (Proverbs 6:16-19 NIV84)

Are you seeing this biblical picture? God loves truth and goodness. Consequently He hates injustice and wicked violence. I can think of nothing more wickedly violent than any person abusing a child.

My wife met a woman in a hospital waiting room this week who is the foster parent of a little girl recently taken from her mother for repeatedly burning her on purpose with scalding hot bath water.

Thankfully someone intervened on behalf of this precious child. Not all are so fortunate.

Until now, I’ve quoted only Old Testament passages. Perhaps you’re thinking, “Well, of course, Jesus is more forgiving of the child abuser.” After all, Jesus is a gentle, meek, Birkenstock-wearing hippie anyway, right? Wrong.

“And if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone tied around his neck.” (Mark 9:42 NIV84) Jesus is pretty rough on people who mislead or mistreat children. So am I. So should you be.

If you are abusing a child, stop. Seek help. If you suspect or know a child is being abused, and you live in Virginia you can call Virginia Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-552-7096.

God hates injustice. Is there any greater form of injustice than a little boy or girl being abused?

Chris Surber is pastor of Cypress Chapel Christian Church in Suffolk. Visit his website at www.chrissurber.com.