In human relationships, we often love someone but hate what they do. For example, parents love their children but not always their behavior. Families may love each other but hate the way someone drops their clothes on the floor, doesn't replace the cap on the toothpaste, or leaves their dirty dishes on the table. Just as our families survive these habitual frustrations, our relationship with God can too. We can love God but not always love what he does or those things he doesn't prevent.

When we reflect on some of the conversations God's people had with him, we see they were unconcerned about coming to God boldly and honestly. Rather than acting appalled by their audacity and abandoning them, God engages with them. God uses the word "hate" to describe the strength of his feelings. God uses strong language to shock his people into realizing the depth of feeling he has for them so they will stop running to idols and other fake alternatives.

Do we engage with God with the same emotional intensity, or are our conversations with him tame, apathetic, or insipid?

God desires to draw his people deeper into honest relationships with him. He prefers we struggle honestly with our faith rather than hide in hypocrisy. As a young Christian coming from an unchurched background, I had little experience reading the Bible. I gravitated toward the Psalms. The psalmists told God exactly what they thought and felt, and God preserved their words for future generations. As I became more involved in church life, I didn't find this kind of honesty. I hesitated to share the things I said to God for fear others would see me as disrespectful or rude. It seemed like we all presented ourselves as good Christians who never experienced negative emotions. As if sharing our struggles would reflect badly on God.

10 Things I Hate About God is for those tired of being polite Christians. By using the word "hate," I hope to encourage readers into the raw honesty I found in the book of Psalms.

Study guide available on Susan's website.