Let's begin by looking at that particular verse.
If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters, yes, even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.The same Jesus that made this statement, also told us that we are to love our neighbors as ourselves, love our enemies, and to love our wives (Mark 12:31; Matt. 5:44; Eph. 5:25).
(Luke 14:26 NIV)
If we are to love our neighbors, our enemies, and our wives, then we must assume that Jesus is not referring to hate, as we know it, in verse twenty-six. You can't hate and love at the same time.
A closer examination of the Greek text proves this deduction. The English word "hate" is translated from the Greek word "miseo." Bullinger's Greek Dictionary indicates that one translation of this word is "to love less than."
I have found that this translation of the Greek word "miseo" corresponds with the rest of the Bible. Jesus is stating that we will never become His disciples unless we love our father, mother, wife, children, brothers, sisters, and even our own lives less than we love Him.
How does this apply to everyday life? If my father and mother say to me, "I don't want you reading your Bible any more," I then must make a decision regarding whom I'm going to love the most, God or my parents. I would have to let my parents know that I love them and respect their opinion, but I must serve God and obey the Bible.
In doing that, I would be loving my father and mother less than I love God. This way I would continue in the Word of God and become a disciple (John 8:31).
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