Last week in this column we talked about the Bible’s command to hate what is evil and to cling to what is good. That command comes from Romans chapter 9 in the New Testament. It goes on to say, “Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good.”
Scripture is clear; we are not commanded to hate sinners but to hate the sin and evil inspired by the spirit of antichrist that is in the world and blinds the minds of those who don’t believe. Many Christians have lost their hatred for sin and evil because the world’s system says to tolerate everything.
Jesus said the opposite to the church at Thyatira, “I have this against you…you tolerate Jezebel who lures my servants into immorality.” When we compromise our Biblically mandated hatred for sin we lose our love for righteousness.
Jesus didn’t merely “avoid” sin, he hated sin but showed mercy to those caught in its trap. He loved righteousness, and there’s a big difference between doing righteous things and loving the righteous standards laid down in both the Old and New Testaments. Unbelievers can do righteous things all day long but that doesn’t mean they love Biblical righteousness.
If Christians don’t kill sin by loving righteousness, then sin will be killing us. Sin either grows or withers depending on whether we feed it or starve it, whether we tolerate it or hate it. And we can starve it by loving righteousness just as Jesus did. Another way we starve it is by running from it.
The apostle Paul told Timothy, “Flee from youthful passions, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, as you fellowship with those who call on the Lord from a righteous heart.” There are several words in that verse that should catch our attention if we desire to love righteousness; flee, pursue, and fellowship.
The Greek word for “Flee” is the same word used in Matthew when Joseph and Mary were fleeing Herod’s massacre children. The word conveys a “Get out of town now” urgent fleeing, not a “Lot’s wife looking back” kind of fleeing.
The word pursue means to “chase after,” not a casual “I’ll get to it when I can” attitude. Finally, we have the admonition to fellowship with those who call on the Lord from a righteous heart. That means no Lone Ranger believers. Being with other believers is how we get challenged, encouraged, and equipped to flee sin and pursue righteousness.
The best way to do all of that is by fellowshipping in a local church, or small group, or both. It sure helps our love for righteousness and hatred of sin if we’re not hanging out with those who have opposite leanings, like loving sin and hating righteousness.
But most important for hating sin and loving righteousness is staying connected to our life source — Jesus. In John 15:5 Jesus says, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, then you will produce much fruit. Without me, you can’t do anything.” Plain enough Lord. Thank you.
Ken Staley is pastor of Faith Church of Pleasant Grove, 9:30 a.m., and Harrisville Methodist Church, 11 a.m. Both are Global Methodist congregations. Text Ken at 918-852-9797.
