2 Chronicles 6:36-39 (Click to read NIV or select your preferred translation of the Bible. Please read the scripture first.) Solomon appealed to God on behalf of the people in his prayer of dedication for the temple. In his prayer he didn’t say “If they sin against you…” He said “When they sin…” Solomon knew the people would sin against God. He also appears to have had a premonition of the time in the Israelites future when the Babylonians did conquer
17 “‘Do not hate your brother in your heart. Rebuke your neighbor frankly so you will not share in his guilt. 18 “‘Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD. (Leviticus 19:17-18 NIV) God doesn’t allow much room for hate in our hearts, especially when that hatred is directed against people. God hates evil and so should we. But when it