The concept of loving God and hating evil is a central theme in the Bible, reflecting the moral and spiritual dichotomy that believers are called to embrace. This dual command is rooted in the nature of God Himself, who is both love and holiness, and it is reflected in the lives of those who seek to follow Him.

Loving God

Loving God is the greatest commandment, as articulated by Jesus in the Gospels. In Matthew 22:37-38 , Jesus declares, "‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment." This love is not merely an emotional affection but a comprehensive devotion that encompasses every aspect of a believer's life. It involves obedience to God's commandments, as stated in John 14:15 , "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments."

The love for God is also expressed through worship, prayer, and a life dedicated to His service. In Deuteronomy 6:5 , the Israelites are instructed, "And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength." This command underscores the totality of commitment expected from those who claim to love God.

Hating Evil

Hating evil is the natural counterpart to loving God. The Bible consistently portrays God as holy and righteous, and His followers are called to reflect these attributes by rejecting evil. 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—a deep reverence and respect for God—with a disdain for all that is contrary to His nature.

The Psalms frequently echo this sentiment. 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." Here, the love for God is directly associated with a rejection of evil, emphasizing that true devotion to God involves a moral and ethical stance against sin.

The Interplay of Love and Hatred

The interplay between loving God and hating evil is not merely a passive stance but an active engagement in the spiritual battle against sin. Romans 12:9 exhorts believers, "Love must be sincere. Detest what is evil; cling to what is good." This verse highlights the necessity of genuine love that is discerning and discriminating, embracing what is good and rejecting what is evil.

The Apostle Paul further elaborates on this in Ephesians 5:1-2, 11 , where he writes, "Be imitators of God, therefore, as beloved children, and walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant sacrificial offering to God... Have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them." Here, the call to imitate God involves both walking in love and actively opposing evil.

Practical Implications

For believers, loving God and hating evil has practical implications in daily life. It requires a commitment to personal holiness, ethical integrity, and a lifestyle that reflects God's character. This involves making choices that honor God, resisting temptations, and standing against injustice and immorality in the world.

Moreover, this dual command calls for a community of believers who support one another in their pursuit of godliness. Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages believers to "spur one another on to love and good deeds," fostering an environment where love for God and hatred of evil are cultivated and celebrated.

In summary, loving God and hating evil are inseparable aspects of the Christian faith, demanding a wholehearted devotion to God and a resolute opposition to sin. This dual commitment is foundational to the believer's relationship with God and their witness in the world.