When Evil Is Not Detached
In Psalm 139, David sings about hating those who hate God. We usually hear, “Hate the sin, love the sinner,” which is a version of what Jude wrote (Jude 23). But David recognizes that the sin and the sinner go together. The object of his hate is a person, not some impersonal, detached force.
We—as Christians, post-cross, with the gospel in our mouths, and not sitting in the seats of kings or even living under the Jewish monarchy—still should apply what David wrote. It is not the only instruction we have for how to deal with the wicked in this world, but it is still relevant. Recognizing the persons who declare themselves enemies against God belongs with our response in general to evil.
O you who love the LORD, hate evil! (Psalm 97:10 bibrefpsalms97 bibrefpsalms97v10)
The fear of the LORD is hatred of evil. (Proverbs 8:13 bibrefproverbs8 bibrefproverbs8v13)
While we learn how to apply Psalm 139:21-22 bibrefpsalms139 bibrefpsalms139v21 bibrefpsalms139v22, let us own that the foundation for hating evil is hating evil in our own hearts. We must be disgusted by our own sin, first and foremost. This belongs with the beginning of wisdom. This is the way of blessing. This is what keeps us from hypocrisy. This is what makes us vessels of righteousness for the Lord to use.
Christian, feelings of guilt need to be taken to the cross. Jesus died for all your sins, He took the shame and pain you deserved. And also, desires for sin that creep up in your heart need to be taken to the cross. Remember that you have died with Christ. You have been buried with Him. Target your own sin, hate your own sin, put your own sin to death by the Spirit (Colossians 3:5 bibrefcolossians3 bibrefcolossians3v5, 8).