Question:
We often tell people, “The Bible means exactly what it says.” However, they challenge us with the passage that states, “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father, mother, wife, children, brothers, sisters, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple.” In response, we explain, “Well, Christ meant that we should love them less than we love Him.” They counter, “Then perhaps these other passages don’t mean exactly what they say either.” How do we respond to that?
Answer:
The Bible conveys its messages clearly, but the Spirit of God—rather than a sin-loving human perspective—must interpret these words. The Greek word translated as “hate” is miseo (derived from misos, meaning “hatred”), and it encompasses definitions such as “to hate, regard with ill will, detest, abhor, or regard with less affection.”
What is stated in Luke 14:26 aligns with Matthew 10:37. To love God with all your heart means not loving anything that could undermine that love for God. That is what is referred to as hate. However, one who truly loves God with all their heart will love their father, mother, and others in a way that surpasses any love outside of Christ. This love focuses on their eternal good and their salvation.
To love family members supremely, instead of loving God, would be considered worldly and carnal love, which ultimately ends with this life. Truly loving God above all else often requires forsaking the dearest ties on earth, an action the world might label as hatred.
How many times has a child been told that he does not love but hates his parents because he chooses to follow God’s will despite their beliefs? Yet, following Christ often necessitates such choices. A faithful follower of Christ may be perceived as hating his friends because of his profound love for God; however, if he loves Christ, he ultimately loves them with a depth that no worldly heart can comprehend.
