How can we "hate evil and love good" in our daily lives today? The Call from Amos 5:15 “Hate evil and love good; establish justice in the gate. Perhaps the LORD God of Hosts will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph.” Why Hating Evil Matters • Evil offends God’s holy character (Psalm 97:10) • True fear of the LORD includes active hatred of sin (Proverbs 8:13) • We are commanded to “abstain from every form of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:22) Recognizing Evil: Sharpening Discernment • Measure everything by Scripture, not feelings (Hebrews 4:12) • Ask: Does this thought, action, or influence contradict God’s revealed will? • Watch for subtle compromises—“small” sins dull the conscience (Songs 2:15) Rejecting Evil: Practical Steps • Confess known sin immediately (1 John 1:9) • Remove stumbling blocks—media, relationships, environments (Matthew 5:29–30) • Replace evil with good: overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21) Loving Good: Pursuing Godly Virtues • Delight in God’s Word daily (Psalm 1:2) • Practice justice and mercy (Micah 6:8) • Cultivate the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23) Living It Out in Everyday Situations Home • Speak truth with kindness; refuse sarcasm or harshness (Ephesians 4:29) • Model repentance and forgiveness quickly Work or School • Reject dishonesty—no padding hours, no cheating (Colossians 3:23) • Champion fairness; stand up for the overlooked (Proverbs 31:8–9) Online • Avoid gossip and slander; post what builds up (Ephesians 4:31–32) • Guard eyes and heart from immoral content (Psalm 101:3) Community • Support policies and leaders that honor righteousness (Proverbs 14:34) • Invest time and resources in ministries that alleviate suffering (James 1:27) Staying Motivated • Remember Christ “loved righteousness and hated wickedness” (Hebrews 1:9) • Rely on the Spirit’s power; apart from Him we can do nothing (John 15:5) • Look to the promise: “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9) |
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