How can we deeply despise sin?
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.

How does Deuteronomy 7:26 connect with 1 Corinthians 10:14 on idolatry?
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