In what ways can we "utterly detest and abhor" sin in our lives?

◄ How can we deeply despise sin? ►

The Call to Hate What God Hates

“I hate and abhor falsehood, but Your law I love.” Psalm 119:163

Because Scripture is true and literal, this is not poetic exaggeration. God invites us to share His white–hot revulsion toward every form of sin.

Why Such Strong Language?

• Sin is treason against our Creator (Genesis 2:17; Romans 6:23).

• Sin distorts God’s image in us (Genesis 1:27; Colossians 3:9–10).

• Sin nailed Christ to the cross (1 Peter 2:24).

When we see sin as God sees it, “detest” and “abhor” feel exactly right.

Training the Heart to Utterly Detest Sin

1. Soak in God’s Word daily

– “Love must be sincere. Detest what is evil; cling to what is good.” Romans 12:9

– The more we treasure Scripture, the more alien sin feels (Psalm 119:11).

2. Cultivate the fear of the Lord

– “To fear the LORD is to hate evil.” Proverbs 8:13

– Reverent awe breeds holy hatred of anything that offends Him.

3. Keep the cross in view

– Remember the cost (Galatians 2:20). Seeing Christ suffer for my rebellion fuels disgust for the rebellion itself.

4. Guard the entry points

• Eyes: “I will set no unclean thing before my eyes.” Psalm 101:3

• Ears: shut off music, podcasts, and conversations that glamorize sin.

• Mind: take every thought captive (2 Corinthians 10:5).

5. Practice immediate confession

– Short accounts keep consciences tender (1 John 1:9). Delay breeds calluses.

6. Replace, don’t just remove

– Starve sinful desires by feeding better ones—worship, fellowship, service (Galatians 5:16).

– “Hate evil and love good.” Amos 5:15

7. Choose companions who share the same disgust

– “Bad company corrupts good character.” 1 Corinthians 15:33

– Saints who hate sin sharpen us (Proverbs 27:17).

8. Show mercy without compromise

– “Save others…hating even the clothing stained by the flesh.” Jude 23

– Love sinners fiercely while hating sin ferociously.

Signs We Are Learning to Abhor Sin

• Quicker conviction, quicker repentance.

• Diminishing appetite for once-cherished habits.

• Growing love for God’s law and God’s people.

• A reflex of grief—not gloating—when others fall into sin.

Encouragement for the Journey

“Hate evil, O you who love the LORD! He preserves the souls of His saints.” Psalm 97:10

The same God who commands us to utterly detest sin empowers us to do it—and delights to keep us while we learn.