Hatred of wrongdoing is a recurring theme in the Bible, reflecting God's own nature and His call for His people to pursue righteousness and justice. This concept is deeply rooted in the character of God, who is described as holy and just, and it is expected that His followers will mirror these attributes by rejecting sin and evil.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible consistently portrays God as one who detests sin and injustice. In Proverbs 6:16-19 , it is written, "There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to Him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies, and a person who stirs up conflict in the community." This passage highlights specific actions and attitudes that are abhorrent to God, emphasizing His disdain for moral corruption.

In the New Testament, the call to hate wrongdoing is echoed in Romans 12:9 , which instructs believers, "Love must be sincere. Detest what is evil; cling to what is good." This verse underscores the importance of genuine love that is accompanied by a rejection of evil, aligning with the moral standards set by God.

The Nature of God and Hatred of Wrongdoing

God's hatred of wrongdoing is intrinsically linked to His holiness. Habakkuk 1:13 states, "Your eyes are too pure to look upon evil, and You cannot tolerate wrongdoing." This verse illustrates the incompatibility of sin with God's pure and holy nature. As a result, God calls His people to reflect His character by turning away from sin and pursuing righteousness.

The Role of Believers

Believers are called to emulate God's hatred of wrongdoing by living lives that are set apart from sin. In Ephesians 5:11 , Paul exhorts the church, "Have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them." This directive encourages Christians to not only avoid participating in sinful acts but also to actively oppose and expose them.

Furthermore, the Psalms often express a righteous indignation towards evil. Psalm 97:10 declares, "O you who love the LORD, hate evil! He preserves the souls of His saints; He delivers them from the hand of the wicked." This verse connects the love of God with a natural aversion to evil, suggesting that a true relationship with God results in a disdain for sin.

Practical Implications

The hatred of wrongdoing has practical implications for the life of a believer. It involves a commitment to personal holiness, a dedication to justice, and a willingness to stand against evil in all its forms. This commitment is not merely an emotional response but a deliberate choice to align one's actions and attitudes with the will of God.

In the pursuit of righteousness, believers are encouraged to seek wisdom and discernment. Proverbs 8:13 states, "To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate arrogant pride, evil conduct, and perverse speech." This verse links the fear of the Lord with a rejection of evil, suggesting that a reverent relationship with God naturally leads to a disdain for sin.

Conclusion

The biblical call to hate wrongdoing is a reflection of God's own character and His desire for His people to live in holiness and justice. By rejecting sin and embracing righteousness, believers demonstrate their love for God and their commitment to His standards.