Healing Rays of the Son

Without exception, we’re prone to forget that God hates every aspect of evil. He knows how destructive it is for those who develop a tolerance for it. One feature of human nature is our adaptability to evil, even while knowing it will result in hardship and suffering. So, avoid developing a tolerance for evil and doers of evil.

God expects us to develop an attitude of avoidance for evil and evildoers regardless of their appearance and promise. Tolerance for evil and love for God are incompatible. Proverbs 8:13 makes it clear that to "fear the Lord is to hate evil". When confronted with evil, remember God will provide a way to escape.

Malachi 4:2 gives God's response to evil. "Surely the day is coming when all evildoers will be consumed by fire like straw in a furnace. But for you who revere my name, my saving power shall rise on you like the sun with its healing rays." That promise is for those who refuse to give evil a place in their lives.  

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Never let yourself think you are wiser than you are; simply obey the Lord and refuse to do wrong.

~Proverbs 3:7 Good News Bible

Help me, Lord, to keep my mouth shut and my lips sealed. Take away my lust for evil things; don’t let me want to be with sinners, doing what they do, sharing their delicacies.

~Psalm 141:3-4 The Living Bible

Hatred OF Evil or PRODUCING Evil?

I’ve often wondered how Esau adjusted after Jacob escaped his wrath. Esau initially hated Jacob and planned to kill him. Two types of hatred confront us. One kind of hatred produces evil, wickedness and sin and derives pleasure from the suffering of others. By contrast, Proverbs 8:13 clearly states, “to fear God is to hate evil.”

The more that hatred dominates our consciousness, the more our capacity for empathy and compassion fades away. Hate that delights in the failure or destruction of another person is sick. Likewise, if feelings of joy surface when those hated by us experience pain and suffering, then our hearts and souls have become contaminated.

Thank God that you hate evil and love righteousness. When evil feelings of hate do surface within you, it’s imperative to confess them to God. Do everything within your power to make things right with those who are the recipient of your anger and hatred. It may appear impossible, but not with God's guidance, his redemption and deliverance.