“Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honouring each other.”
Romans 12:9-10 NLT
Paul wanted to see no false love between the Roman Christians. He made the point that they should “really love” each other. The Apostle Peter, in his first letter, implored his readers to love each other too. “Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8). And he reminds them that sins can be mitigated by loving each other, covering over their impact by a loving response of forgiveness. Peter, of all the Apostles, knew what deep love means. After denying Him three times, Jesus took the initiative and restored the relationship between them, the discourse recorded in John 21.
Paul could see that wrong things – behaviour, attitudes and sin in general – could destroy the relationship between those early Christians, hence his reminder to them that they should avoid doing, or being part of, anything that was wrong because it would potentially destroy them and their fellowship. Paul went even further, strongly emphasising that avoiding wrong was not enough. He implored them to “hate” anything that was even tainted by what was “wrong”. But what is “wrong”? How would we define that? I suppose, as some have found helpful, we could imagine God standing with us as we go about our daily lives. Would He approve of what we are doing, or watching, or saying? Is our behaviour sinful? Hmmm…
The Bible advises believers to hate anything to do with evil, and the writer of Proverbs lists a few. It is a sobering situation when we apply these to life today. Proverbs 6:16-19, “There are six 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, a false witness who pours out lies, a person who sows discord in a family“. Some of these things that the Lord hates are easier to imagine than others. For example, telling lies is obviously wrong. Plotting an evil deed shouldn’t happen. But one thing that grieves me deeply is the practice of abortion, the killing of “the innocent”. In England and Wales nearly one in four pregnancies result in a termination. And I shudder to think of the consequences for those whose “hands” are involved.
But we pilgrims should strive to do good, not letting any possibility pass us by. Paul wrote to the Galatian Christians the following, “Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith” (Galatians 6:10). We look out for ways in which we can bless those around us, and not just our fellow believers. The old lady next door might need someone to do some shopping or a practical repair in her home. A meal cooked and shared. A kind word to someone struggling with depression. We must be proactive in looking out for opportunities. It’s all about developing a mindset where doing good to others becomes a way of life to us. Matthew 5:16 records what Jesus said, “In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your Heavenly Father“. Of course we remember that we are not saved by good works but saved for good works. Ephesians 2:10, “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago“.
So we do good and hate evil. A strategy in which we grow in our Christian faith, day by day.
Dear God. Please help us to discern when we are in danger of falling into evil ways. Lead us, we pray, in the ways of goodness. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.
Being a Pilgrim 