Hatred of Evil

September 1986

There is much talk of love in the churches today, and that is good, but the Holy Word of God — the Bible, also speaks much of hatred too.

“Love must be completely sincere. Hate what is evil, hold on to what is good.” Romans 12:9

“To honour the Lord is to hate evil.” Proverbs 8:13

“There are seven things that the Lord hates and cannot tolerate:
A proud look, a lying tongue, hands that kill innocent people, a mind that thinks up wicked plans, feet that hurry off to do evil, a witness who tells one lie after another, and a man who stirs up trouble among friends.”

“I gain wisdom from your laws, and so I hate all bad conduct.” Psalms 119:104

“Cursed are those who disobey your commands.’ Psalms 119:21

“When I see the wicked breaking your law I am filled with anger.” Psalms 119:53

“I hate those who are not completely loyal to you,’ but I love your law.” Psalms 119:113

“Do not let evil defeat you; instead, conquer evil with good.” Romans 12:21

“Who will rise up for me against the evildoers? Or who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquity?” Psalms 94:16

David, the shepherd king was a man after God’s own heart and the Psalms contain many of his heartfelt prayers and songs of praise to God. The Psalms were the prayer- book of our Lord Jesus and of the early Church.

The Psalms are full of an appreciation of God’s holiness, justice and righteousness. The Psalms flow with vibrant worship and love for God. The Psalmists’ love for nature comes through clearly. But most of all, the Psalms are full of a love for God’s Law — for His Word. The Psalmists were jealous for the glory and honour of God. They hated evil and wanted justice to be done. We too must share the Psalmists’ hatred of evil, their love for God’s law and their reverent and holy respect for God’s holiness.

“Holy, Holy, Holy!
The Lord Almighty is holy!
His glory fills the world.”
Isaiah 6:3

“Then I heard the Lord say,
‘Whom shall I send
Who will be our messenger
I answered,
‘I will go! Send me!”
Isaiah 6:8