Do we hate evil?

Do you HATE evil?  We had an interesting discussion in bible study last night.  We should hate evil.  God does not want us to hate people, but evil we should despise.  The Lord’s Prayer says “deliver us from evil”, Psalm139:21 says “O Lord, shouldn’t I hate those who hate you?  Shouldn’t I despise those who oppose you?”  What do we do when we encounter evil?  We cannot hate people, we are to love all.  But, what about TV?  Are we being desensitized to sin by what we watch and hear?  Do you shut it off?

What is evil?  Proverbs 6:16 There are 6 things the Lord hates – no, seven things he detests: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill the innocent, a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong, false witness that pours out lies, a person who sows discord in a family.  In the book of Romans 1:18-32 the apostle Paul writes about God’s anger with sin; we find there many things that are considered evil – I encourage you to read it for yourself but a list from that section would include: rejecting God, worshiping idols, worshiping things God created rather than God, women having sex with women, men having sex with men, sin, greed, hate, envy, murder, quarreling, deception, malicious behavior, gossip, insolence, pride, boastfulness, disobedience to parents, breaking promises, and having no mercy.  It is a loaded section!  Some things are obvious, but others really hit close to home: gossip, quarreling, breaking promises…  We also have the 10 Commandments to define evil.  Colossians 3:1-17 (Living the New Life) also lists evil or sin to keep out of your life, it includes: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, greed, worshiping things of this world, anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, dirty language, and lies.  There is more.  Galatians 5:19-21 says “When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these.  Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.”

Today’s media – TV, internet, music – is rampant with things that God considers, and we should consider, evil.  So what do we do? Become a social pariah?  Actually, that is kind of what we should do, God does not want us to fit into this world, but we must fit into his.  But you can still reach others without snubbing everyone – remember, pride is in the list too.  God wants us to reach out to people, not cut them off.  We need to understand the world and today’s social expectations to understand sin and God’s direction.  Jesus came here to teach ALL.  Who did he spend his time with while here?  People who were considered the most vile sinners of that time!  But HE did NOT sin.  The people he was with did not lead him to sin, but he led them to salvation!  My opinion, we should not shut out the world, but live as God would want us to live.  My dear husband does not like to watch this very popular show because there is a homosexual couple in it.  I asked him, how is that any worse than all the shows with the people sleeping around in them, or telling lies, or glamorizing drunkenness?  It isn’t different at all!  Sin is sin, whether it is homosexuality or seeking one night stands, or taking the Lord’s name in vain – it is all sin.  We might as well not have a TV or radio in the house –or let our kids leave the property - - is that what God wants?  No, he says over and over to demonstrate his love and mercy, to be an example!  We can’t be an example hiding in our basements with our bibles.  1 Timothy 4:12 says “…Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.”  1 Timothy 4:16 “Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching.  Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation.”

Our kids, should we shelter them?  Don’t let them watch what is clearly beyond their years, but, my opinion – only my opinion, just a thought – use media to teach them.  Reflect what they see with what the bible says.  Give them an alternative direction, let it lead to discussion of the biblical way to handle situations.  We were watching one of those reality singing shows the other day.  (My oldest daughter’s choice.)  One group called themselves “OhMG”, my daughter asked why I was not disappointed when they did not make it through, I told her because I didn’t want them or anyone else to think it was okay to take the Lord’s name in vain and it brought up the discussion of the ever popular “OMG” expression is taking the Lord’s name in vain and not acceptable. Use the sin in media, don’t let it desensitize them, but use it to strengthen their bond with God.  Yet, recognize God’s will that we be an example AND recognize that we ALL sin!  Romans 2:1-4 “You may think you can condemn such people, but you are just as bed, and you have no excuse!  When you say they are wicked and should be punished, you are condemning yourself, for you who judge others do these very same things.  And we know that God, in his justice, will punish anyone who does such things.  Since you judge others for doing these things, why do you think you can avoid God’s judgment when you do the same things?  Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you?  Does this mean nothing to you?  Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?”  Romans 3:10 “As the scriptures say: No one is righteous, not even one.”

When we have a fear, how do we rid ourselves of the fear?  Face it, repeat it until it has no power over us.  Pray.  If you are afraid to drive at night – drive at night (with prayer).   Sometimes God makes us face fear for (2 Timothy 1:7) “God has not given us the spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self discipline.”    Well, we should face evil, not hide, not judge, not think we are better than, but face it.  Do the right thing, take the high road, take the narrow gate, be blameless, and fight evil by doing good.  Not by accusation or by judging, but WITH GOD, by changing your own life first.  Fight evil by removing “…the log in your own eye, then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friends eye.” (Matthew 7:5)!

Romans 12:9 Don’t just pretend to love others.  Really love them.   Hate what is wrong.  Hold tightly to what is good.

Romans 12:14 Bless those who persecute you.  Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them.  Be happy with those who are happy, weep with those who weep.  Live in harmony with each other.  Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people.  And don’t think you know it all.

Basically, hate evil, hate evil choices, not people.  God forgives us, we must forgive others.

Colossians 3:13 Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.

Galatians 5:24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there.

Romans 12:21 Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.