In what ways can we "utterly detest and abhor" sin in our lives? The Call to Hate What God Hates “I hate and abhor falsehood, but Your law I love.” Psalm 119:163 Because Scripture is true and literal, this is not poetic exaggeration. God invites us to share His white–hot revulsion toward every form of sin. Why Such Strong Language? • Sin is treason against our Creator (Genesis 2:17; Romans 6:23). • Sin distorts God’s image in us (Genesis 1:27; Colossians 3:9–10). • Sin nailed Christ to the cross (1 Peter 2:24). When we see sin as God sees it, “detest” and “abhor” feel exactly right. Training the Heart to Utterly Detest Sin 1. Soak in God’s Word daily – “Love must be sincere. Detest what is evil; cling to what is good.” Romans 12:9 – The more we treasure Scripture, the more alien sin feels (Psalm 119:11). 2. Cultivate the fear of the Lord – “To fear the LORD is to hate evil.” Proverbs 8:13 – Reverent awe breeds holy hatred of anything that offends Him. 3. Keep the cross in view – Remember the cost (Galatians 2:20). Seeing Christ suffer for my rebellion fuels disgust for the rebellion itself. 4. Guard the entry points • Eyes: “I will set no unclean thing before my eyes.” Psalm 101:3 • Ears: shut off music, podcasts, and conversations that glamorize sin. • Mind: take every thought captive (2 Corinthians 10:5). 5. Practice immediate confession – Short accounts keep consciences tender (1 John 1:9). Delay breeds calluses. 6. Replace, don’t just remove – Starve sinful desires by feeding better ones—worship, fellowship, service (Galatians 5:16). – “Hate evil and love good.” Amos 5:15 7. Choose companions who share the same disgust – “Bad company corrupts good character.” 1 Corinthians 15:33 – Saints who hate sin sharpen us (Proverbs 27:17). 8. Show mercy without compromise – “Save others…hating even the clothing stained by the flesh.” Jude 23 – Love sinners fiercely while hating sin ferociously. Signs We Are Learning to Abhor Sin • Quicker conviction, quicker repentance. • Diminishing appetite for once-cherished habits. • Growing love for God’s law and God’s people. • A reflex of grief—not gloating—when others fall into sin. Encouragement for the Journey “Hate evil, O you who love the LORD! He preserves the souls of His saints.” Psalm 97:10 The same God who commands us to utterly detest sin empowers us to do it—and delights to keep us while we learn. |