Christians must Hate Evil

“You who love the LORD, hate evil! He preserves the souls of His saints; He delivers them out of the hand of the wicked.” Psalm 97:10 NKJV

In a bittersweet story published by the Minnesota Star Tribune on Wednesday, it was reported that The parents of a college runner from Eagan who died by suicide have settled their lawsuit that alleged their daughter’s cross-country coach at the time tormented her with demeaning comments in emails and texts about her weight and learning challenges. The lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court in Florida in June 2023 by Ray and Lynne Pernsteiner, the parents of Julia Pernsteiner, 23, who died in her Jacksonville University dorm room on Nov. 8, 2021. Her death came two months after the coach kicked her off the team, the suit contended. Sadly, it was further reported that Pernsteiner and others on the team complained about Grigg to school leadership, but they “closed ranks around Grigg and refused to take any action...because of his success as a track coach.” The suit noted, “As long as Grigg’s teams were successful, JU tolerated his outrageous behavior toward team members.”

And, you know, as this story clearly shows, when people or organizations feel justified in tolerating bad behavior, innocent people suffer. Which is the very reason we are commanded to “hate evil!” This “hate” is an intense word that leaves absolutely no room for compromise. The Bible is very clear about that. Which means Christians are to loathe, detest, abhor, despise, and feel a violent revulsion to that which is opposed to God, that which is the opposite of God, and that which is contrary to God.

So refuse the temptation to tolerate, remain silent about, compromise with, or to cover up evil for any reason my friend. Doing so will not only jeopardize your integrity and discredit your witness, but will offend God and cause those without fault to endure needless and undeserved heartache, misery, sorrow, and sadness. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that Christians should never tolerate evil, but should expose it along with all those who delight in planning and doing harm to others. Help us to be people known for our integrity and unwillingness to do anything that goes contrary to your commands, as well as people who boldly shine the light on the deeds of darkness. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!