Let those who love the Lord hate evil. (Psalm 97:10)
When our love is sincere we will “Hate what is evil; (and) cling to what is good” (Romans 12:9). This is in keeping with the focus of this chapter stated in verse 21; “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” It is also consistent with what is found throughout the Bible.
Listen to Psalm 97:10, “Let those who love the Lord hate evil.” The prophet Amos expands this theme as follows in Amos 5:14-15, “Seek good, not evil…(and) Hate evil, love good.” Paul amplifies this in 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22, “Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil.”
One who truly loves is discerning. He will test everything. When he determines something to be evil he will hate it. Rather than seek evil he will avoid it. I was intrigued by what Amos said just before he says that we should not seek evil, but rather hate it. He says in Amos 5:13, “The prudent man keeps quiet in such times, for the times are evil.” There is always a danger when confronting or opposing evil to be dragged into it.
Dr. Dobson shares that when he was on a commission to evaluate the effects of pornography he found the process to be one of the most draining he had ever experienced. Jude warns in verses 22-23 of his epistle, “Be merciful to those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear – hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.”
Love hates evil because it is so destructive to all who are exposed to it. Jesus hates evil, and so should you!
