God Hated Esau?

Not only that, but Rebekah's children had one and the same father, our father Isaac. Yet, before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad—in order that God's purpose in election might stand: not by works but by him who calls—she was told, "The older will serve the younger." Just as it is written: "Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated."
~Romans 9:10-13

This is indeed a challenging passage. But God put it in the Bible for a reason and I will now give my thoughts. I will warn you that there are some controversial theological ideas expressed here. But my aim is not to bring you into correct doctrine. Instead, my aim is to bring you into authentic worship. My hope is that after reading this you will be on your knees thanking God for your salvation.
Let me first ask you a question. Take a look at the two parts of the last phrase, "Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated." Which part surprises you more, the fact that God loved Jacob or the fact that God hated Esau? Our natural response would be to wonder why God hated Esau.
Let me just say that, for the believer, that is the wrong response. We should not at all wonder why God hated Esau. It should be clear. We should look inside our own heart and realize that Esau was a sinful man just like us. Furthermore, we should realize that God should indeed hate us as well. The text should say "God hated mankind because their hearts were prideful and wicked." But it does not say that. Instead it says "God loved Jacob." And that, my friends, is what we should be surprised about. Jacob was certainly just as evil as Esau. But for some reason God decided to love him.
I thank God that he decided to love me. I should have been hated like Esau, I should have been condemned to hell, I deserved to be punished for my wickedness. But something amazing happened, God loved Charlie.
Do you truly realize that you should have been hated? Do you truly realize that you deserve to be in Hell?
Think about this, it should drive you to your knees with gratitude.
With His love,
Charlie