CWW Week 35 - Hatred - Day 5
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Devotional: Loving God Means Hating Evil
Scripture:
“Let those who love the Lord hate evil, for he guards the lives of his faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked.” – Psalm 97:10 (NIV)
There’s a powerful truth tucked inside Psalm 97:10 that’s easy to overlook: if we love God, we are called to hate evil. Not tolerate it. Not explain it away. Not downplay it. We are to reject it from our hearts, our habits, and our homes.
That might feel a bit strong. After all, we don’t often associate hatred with godliness. But this verse isn’t about hating people—it’s about hating what God hates: sin, injustice, pride, cruelty, and all that twists and distorts His goodness.
If we truly love the Lord, our affections and values should start to reflect His. That means we can’t love God while making peace with sin. Something has to give.
1. You Can’t Love God and Love Evil
Psalm 97 is a song of praise, proclaiming God’s power, holiness, and majesty. Verse 10 interrupts the worship with a command: “Let those who love the Lord hate evil.” Why? Because evil is everything God is not. It’s rebellion against His goodness, and it wounds what He created to be whole.
To follow Jesus means learning to love what He loves and hate what He hates. That doesn’t mean we walk around in judgement of others—but it does mean we take sin seriously, especially in our own lives.
If we find ourselves laughing at what is sinful, making excuses for it, or secretly enjoying it, we need to ask: Have I let my heart drift from what God desires?
Real love is loyal. It doesn’t flirt with what offends the One it loves.
2. Hating Evil Doesn’t Mean Hating People
It’s crucial to remember that hating evil is not a licence to treat others with contempt. Jesus never hated sinners—He ate with them, forgave them, and called them into truth. But He never compromised on what was right either.
We’re called to that same balance: grace and truth. Loving the Lord means we speak out against injustice, we say no to dishonesty, we protect the vulnerable, and we keep our own lives free from sin. But we also do it with humility, knowing we too are recipients of mercy.
3. God Protects Those Who Walk in Faithfulness
The second half of Psalm 97:10 is a promise: “He guards the lives of His faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked.” Isn’t that encouraging?
When we choose to stand for what is right—even when it’s unpopular, costly, or misunderstood—God Himself watches over us. We may face opposition or feel out of step with the culture around us, but we are not alone. The Lord defends His people.
Faithfulness matters. When you choose integrity over compromise, forgiveness over bitterness, purity over indulgence, or courage over comfort, you’re showing that you belong to Him. And He sees it all. He doesn’t just notice your loyalty—He protects it.
Reflection Questions
- Are there areas in your life where you’ve grown comfortable with things God calls evil?
- What does it look like to “hate evil” without becoming harsh or self-righteous?
- Where have you seen God’s protection in your life as you’ve chosen to walk faithfully with Him?
Prayer
Dear Lord, Papa God,
You are holy, just, and good. I confess that sometimes I’ve been too casual about things You take seriously. Teach me to love what You love and to hate what You hate—not with pride or judgement, but with a heart that longs to honour You. Help me turn from anything that pulls me away from Your will. Give me strength to walk faithfully, even when it’s difficult, and thank You that You guard those who belong to You. May my life reflect Your goodness more and more.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Have a great day today with Jesus.
Graham Hood
