Hate Evil
I know that we don't like to talk about hate. Also, we shy away from talking about evil. Both words are harsh words, and we would rather talk about disliking something, instead of hating something. Also, we would rather refer to bad things, but not evil things. The problem is that God hates sin of any kind, and the Bible is full of references to evil. That is the reason that the psalmist commanded those who love the Lord to hate evil. (Psalm 97:10) Then, he went on to share the benefits of living with this determination for our lives, as believers.
It is not enough to simply love the Lord. If we only love the Lord, but we do not hate evil, we will constantly be disappointing the One we love. We will be grieving the Holy Spirit of God. We will not be living up to the name God gave us, which is saints. Yes, all believers are saints. That word means we are separated from this world, which is opposed to the things of God, and we are separated unto God, so that we do the things He desires for us to do in His power. When we love Him and hate evil like that, the psalmist told us that God will preserve us, and He will deliver us from the hand of the wicked. However, if we live a life that includes evil, we will not be preserved or delivered. We will be punished by God, who loves us, but hates sin.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Psalms 98-100.
It is not enough to simply love the Lord. If we only love the Lord, but we do not hate evil, we will constantly be disappointing the One we love. We will be grieving the Holy Spirit of God. We will not be living up to the name God gave us, which is saints. Yes, all believers are saints. That word means we are separated from this world, which is opposed to the things of God, and we are separated unto God, so that we do the things He desires for us to do in His power. When we love Him and hate evil like that, the psalmist told us that God will preserve us, and He will deliver us from the hand of the wicked. However, if we live a life that includes evil, we will not be preserved or delivered. We will be punished by God, who loves us, but hates sin.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Psalms 98-100.