The concept of intolerance of evil is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, reflecting God's holiness and the call for His people to pursue righteousness. Throughout Scripture, believers are exhorted to reject evil and cling to what is good, demonstrating a clear demarcation between the ways of God and the ways of the world.

Old Testament Foundations

The Old Testament lays a strong foundation for the intolerance of evil, beginning with the character of God Himself. In Habakkuk 1:13, the prophet declares, "Your eyes are too pure to look upon evil, and You cannot tolerate wrongdoing." This verse underscores God's absolute purity and His inability to coexist with sin.

The Law given to Israel further emphasizes this principle. In Deuteronomy 13:5, the Israelites are commanded to purge evil from among them: "You must purge the evil from among you." This command is repeated throughout the Pentateuch, highlighting the necessity of maintaining holiness within the community by removing those who practice wickedness.

The Psalms and Proverbs also reflect this theme. Psalm 97:10 states, "O you who love the LORD, hate evil! He preserves the souls of His saints; He delivers them from the hand of the wicked." Similarly, Proverbs 8:13 declares, "To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate arrogant pride, evil conduct, and perverse speech."

New Testament Teachings

The New Testament continues this theme, with Jesus and the apostles calling for a life that rejects evil. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches His followers to be discerning and to avoid false prophets, who are likened to wolves in sheep's clothing (Matthew 7:15). This metaphor illustrates the need for vigilance against evil influences.

The apostle Paul frequently addresses the intolerance of evil in his epistles. In Romans 12:9, he writes, "Love must be sincere. Detest what is evil; cling to what is good." This exhortation calls believers to a genuine love that is incompatible with evil. In Ephesians 5:11, Paul further instructs, "Have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them."

The apostle John also emphasizes this principle in his letters. In 1 John 2:15-17, he warns against loving the world or anything in it, as the world is characterized by the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. These are not from the Father but from the world, which is passing away.

The Church's Role

The early church took the intolerance of evil seriously, as seen in the practices of church discipline. In 1 Corinthians 5, Paul addresses a case of immorality within the Corinthian church, instructing them to expel the wicked person from among them (1 Corinthians 5:13). This action was necessary to maintain the purity of the church and to serve as a warning to others.

The letters to the seven churches in Revelation also highlight the importance of rejecting evil. In Revelation 2:2, Jesus commends the church in Ephesus for testing those who claim to be apostles but are not, demonstrating their intolerance of falsehood and evil.

Practical Implications

Believers today are called to uphold the same standard of intolerance toward evil. This involves personal holiness, discernment in relationships, and a commitment to truth. The biblical mandate is clear: to love God is to hate evil, and this requires an active stance against sin in all its forms.