Why are we to abhor evil? First, we should abhor evil because God abhors what is evil (Prov. 6:16-19; Heb. 1:9; Isa. 1:13-14). Secondly, to abhor what is evil is an expression of love for those who would be harmed by such evil. That command to abhor evil immediately follows the command, “Let love be genuine” (ESV). True love abhors abortion, for it kills an innocent life. Adultery wounds deeply, and typically destroys a marriage. Drug and alcohol addiction has wrecked homes and resulted in many deaths. Though we are to love the sinner, we are to abhor the evil committed by sinners. Furthermore, abhorring evil makes it repulsive rather than attractive, helping to prevent temptation, and providing motivation to rebuke and punish evil.

Why has evil and criminal behavior escalated in my lifetime? As a society we have gone from abhorring evil and being ashamed of it, to tolerating it, and then even approving it (Rom. 1:32). Now we have reached the point where they will persecute those who do not embrace and approve of their sin.

Of course, this means we need good discernment to recognize what is “evil.” Paul uses the stronger of two words for “evil.” He especially has in mind aggressive evil that spreads like a cancer. Can you recognize evil when you see it? Isa. 5:20 says, “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil ….” The Word of God, enlightened by the Holy Spirit, is our only reliable guide. So before we convey our abhorrence to others, let us make sure that what we abhor is indeed evil. The Pharisees called Jesus a sinner (John 9:16, 24) and abhorred some of what He did (Luke 13:14)! Let’s not make the same mistake.