Scripture Reading: Psalm 97:10
Ye that love the LORD, hate evil: He preserveth the souls of His saints; He delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked.

Reflection: Those who love the Lord are enjoined by the Psalmist to hate evil. Evil is defined as something ‘immoral and wicked’. God has nothing to do with evil but Satan does. The way out therefore to be distinguished as a child of God is to demonstrate hatred for evil. Hatred denotes ‘hostile actions motivated by intense dislike’. Once you hate something, you do not get near it. You condemn it. You resist it. Jesus’ life on earth was a clear demonstration of hatred to evil. The writer of Hebrews summarizes it beautifully with the words ‘Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows (Hebrews 1:9). As you celebrate the season, remember it is about the one who hated evil and still hates evil. Don’t just say with your lips that you love Him. Go ahead and demonstrate that you hate evil!

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me go beyond just saying with my lips that I love you. Let me exhibit hatred for what is immoral and wicked.

Confession: Evil is not part of God and therefore will not be part of me. I hate anything evil. I live a life that shows I hate evil.