Righteous Hatred

In this world that often promotes tolerance and acceptance of all things, the idea of hatred can seem negative or unloving. However, the hatred that Psalm 97 speaks of, is not directed towards people but towards evil itself. It is a passionate rejection of sin, injustice, and everything that stands in opposition to the character of God.

To hate evil as the Lord commands, is to have a deep-seated aversion to anything that dishonours God. It means to despise wickedness, not in a way that leads to bitterness or anger towards individuals, but in a way that fuels our pursuit of holiness and righteousness. This hatred is born out of love for the Lord and a desire to see His will done on earth.

As followers of Christ, we are called to be lights in a dark world, to stand against the tide of moral compromise. Hating evil is an integral part of this calling. It is about having the courage to say ‘no’ to the things that grieve the heart of God and ‘yes’ to the things that please Him.

Today, let’s examine our hearts and ask God to help us cultivate a righteous hatred for evil. May our love for the Lord be so strong that it naturally leads us to despise all that is contrary to His goodness and truth. In doing so, we align ourselves more closely with His heart and become more effective agents of His kingdom.