Luke 14:26

And hate not his father, &c.— Strictly speaking, to hate our nearest relations, and our own lives, would be unnatural wickedness, and equally contrary to the dictates of humanity, and the genius of the gospel. But it is well known, that one thing is said to be loved and another hated in scripture, when the former is much preferred; and especially when out of regard to it, the latter is neglected or forsaken. Compare Genesis 29:31. Deuteronomy 21:15. Malachi 1:3.Romans 9:13.Matthew 6:24. Father and mother, and other relations were particularly mentioned by our Lord, because, as affairs then stood, the profession of the gospel was apt to set a man at variance with his nearest relations.