The Sin that Should Make Us Hate Sin

Why do we hate sin? Or, why SHOULD we hate sin?

I fear that many Christians hate sin for all the wrong reasons. We particularly hate the sin in OTHERS because hating their sin makes us feel less bad about our own sin. Shinning the spotlight on the inadequacies of someone else makes us feel a bit more adequate to judge their behaviors. Christians have been doing this for years. The preacher that rails against adultery but looks at porn. The choir leader who hates all forms of sexual immorality but gossips incessantly. The board member who condemns homosexuality but undermines and dishonors spiritual authority. All readily examples of the wrong way to hate sin.

We may also hate sin for the harm it causes us. Sin destroys our bodies. Sins like overeating, sexual infidelity and drug abuse are the obvious culprits. But those emotive sins like jealousy and anger can do damage to our hearts and blood pressure. We hate sin because it hinders our lives from their fullest potential. Yet this reason to hate sin is still far below why we should truly hate sin.

We should hate sin because sin separates us from God. Not only does sin separate us from God but also from other people made in His image. Jealousy, envy, bitterness, hatred, animosity, lust, pride, arrogance, and greed... you name the sin, you'll find a spiritual and interpersonal disconnection in the works. Sin separates us because sin is all about putting our own needs before everyone else and above God's faithful word. Both of which are tragic determinations for every human.

The 7th commandment is very familiar:
Exodus 20:14 (ESV) “You shall not commit adultery.

If ever there was a sin that should make us hate sin for the right reasons, it is this sin. Adultery destroys families, children, men, women, neighborhoods, communities, entire churches and the mission of Jesus in those churches. Adultery has destroyed the ministries of many a men who have been called and anointed to preach the Word. Adultery can cause physical disease. Adultery can cause divorce. Adultery sucks the emotional energy out of those involved and permanently damages the community who live in its midst. Adultery is worse than murder for one particular reason, the one who it is committed against still has to live and bear the pain, somehow work toward forgiveness, and move on to trust again. 

Adultery truly destroys everyone in its wake. 

It is the sin that should make us hate sin. 

I believe one of the reasons God put Adultery in the top ten list to help us understand the destructive nature of sin. Could you imagine a world where adultery was totally acceptable? I mean, even for all of America's progressive sexual "liberation" and completely insane embrace of all forms of sexual immorality, at least adultery is still largely frowned upon. 

But it should serve to make us understand... it is not only adultery that destroys lives, communities, churches and people's relationship with God. Adultery is the first on a sin list of destructive actions for any people or group. Sin sucks.

We come to the 7th commandment and learn the wages of sin is truly death. 

But as much as this sin should make us hate sin, it should that much more cause us to LOVE our SAVIOR. For even this sin is not "unforgivable." Where sin is great, God's grace is greater. David found grace here as did Abraham and I believe Judah as well. The damage will be done personally, but for those who repent and seek God, adultery does not have to have the last word.

Sin destroys, but God rebuilds.
Isn't that the entire story of the Bible in a sentence?