Gaylon Benton and I were married on Saturday evening, June 26, 1971. We will soon celebrate forty-three years of marriage. Through both good times, bad times, hard times and joyous times, we have truly learned who each other is. I know a lot about my husband! My husband knows a lot about me!
These are a few of the things that I know Gaylon loves:
- Alabama football
- Key lime pie
- His family
- Khaki pants
- Alabama football
- Bread
- Tools
- Strawberries
- Assisting others
- Alabama football
- Vanilla ice cream
- A sloppy, wet kiss
I could add plenty more of what Gaylon loves. I have also learned the things he hates and that is just as important.
These are a few of the things that I know Gaylon hates:
- Bread that is too crispy
- Alabama losing a game
- Yard work (I second that!)
- Too much cover on the bed
- Alabama losing a game
- Strife
- Tools not being put away properly
- Beets
- Death
- Green beans
- Chocolate ice cream (what is his problem)
- A perfunctory, unemotional kiss
- Alabama losing a game
Though I’ve made light of my husband’s loves and hates, the fact is that it is important for me to know the desires of the one I love. I don’t serve him green beans. I try not to pull the heavy comforter up on his side of the bed. I am sensitive to his “pain” when Alabama loses a game. I try to watch the bread closely so it’s just like he likes it. I try to kiss just right! My desire is to please him. I love to honor him. I love to put a smile on his face.
There is so much talk about the love of God, and worship, and Bible study, and the goodness of God, and on and on. Rightfully so! God is good. God is love. Have we given just as much consideration to the things that God says he hates? At times it seems, we in the church have failed to remind this generation that while God is love, He also has the capacity to hate.
Proverbs chapter six gives us a list of some things God hates:
“These six things the Lord hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him:
- A proud look
- A lying tongue
- Hands that shed innocent blood
- A heart that devises wicked plans
- Feet that are swift in running to evil
- A false witness who speaks lies
- And one who sows discord among brethren”
Gaylon loves me whether the bread is too brown or just right. Gaylon loves me even when I pull the comforter up during the night, and he gets too hot. Gaylon loves me when there is no vanilla ice cream in the house. I never doubt that his love for me is eternal, but our relationship has matured. I want to please the one I love. It brings me great joy to bring a smile to his face.
It’s time for God’s people to mature beyond just knowing only what God loves. There are things God hates, but He does not hate YOU! He did make it a point to list in His word what He does hate. It is my joy to avoid what my Beloved hates.
Lord, I want to love what you love, and hate what you hate.
SELAH