Am I likeable?

In every areas of our life, we have likes and dislikes that are unique to us. There are things that are very dear to us – maybe our phones, tabs, cloths, shoes, etc., and others that we do not even know exists in our homes and lives because it is not of importance to us. Similarly, there are memories that we like which brings a smile on our face and those that hurt so bad that we don’t like to remember them at all. There are also places that we like and dislike. It is the same when it comes to people who are part of our lives. There are people in our lives that we are very fond of and we love so much that we long to spend time with them. Also there is the other category whom we would never want to come across.

It is actually the character and behavioral traits of people that make us like them or dislike them. We love people who are loving, caring, encouraging, cheerful and who will be with us during tough times. And we dislike people who are arrogant, rude, selfish and full of disrespect. What about God? Does he have such likes and dislikes of character / behavioral traits?

Let us open the treasure book and find Clues !

OPENING THE TREASURE BOOK

The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord , But the prayer of the upright is His delight. The way of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord , But He loves him who follows righteousness.‭

Proverbs 15:8‭-‬9

The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord , But the words of the pure are pleasant.

Proverbs 15: ‬26

It is very evident from these verses that God too has LIKES and DISLIKES. Here it says that He delights in the prayer of upright but hates the sacrifices done by wicked. He loves the one who follows righteousness and hates the ways of the wicked. He hates the thoughts of the wicked but likes the words from those who are pure at heart. So God likes righteousness and dislikes wickedness. We, as His children should be well aware of His likes and dislikes.

Which category do we fall into – Are we likeable? Or not?

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.

Proverbs 6:16-19

These verses clearly states various dislikes of God. God hates a proud look. And we learned (Have an attitude?) a proud heart also disgusts him. He hates hands that shed innocent blood and a heart that is wicked. He hates evil and those who are swift in running to Evil. False witnessing and creating disagreements / disputes among one another also detests Him. All these can be summarized to Wickedness and Evil ways.

We should be very careful about these characteristics and behavioral traits and make sure we do not embrace them but detest them like God. We too should hate evil and wicked ways and never let them into our hearts.

 that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.

Ephesians 4: 22-24

We have to put away our former conduct – our sinful ways before getting to know Jesus which was filled with wickedness and evil. Then renew our spirits and put on the new man created according to God in righteousness and holiness. Further in Ephesians 4:25-29, we are asked to put away lying and speak only the truth, not to sin in anger, not to steal but to labor and work, not to speak corrupt words but speak only words that build each other.

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted,  forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

Ephesians 4: 30-32

In fact, all these wickedness and evil ways grieves the Holy Spirit. Bitterness, wrath, anger, yelling, evil speaking and the desire to harm others should never be allowed in our lives. If God dislikes them , we should too!! Rather, we should be kind to one another, be tender hearted and should forgive one another as God forgave us in Christ.

Treasures uncovered

We should put away our former conduct (wickedness & evil) and put on the new man created according to God. Be likeable – Hate wickedness and evil ways but love righteousness and embrace it!

Prayer:

Father, we thank you for teaching us about your likes and dislikes. Father help us to hate evil and wicked ways and never let them in our hearts. Help us to put on the new self, created according to you in righteousness and live a life pleasing to you. In Jesus name, Amen.

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