Hate the Evil, love the good
Amos 5:15 Hate the evil, and love the good, and establish judgment in the gate: it may be that the LORD God of hosts will be gracious unto the remnant of Joseph.
Amos prophesied during a time of relative prosperity in Israel, but this prosperity was marred by rampant social injustice, corruption, and idolatry. The wealthy and powerful were exploiting the poor, and the judicial system was riddled with bribery and injustice. Amos’s message was a call to repentance and a return to God’s standards of righteousness.
The first part of Amos's message is to "hate evil." This is a strong statement that goes beyond disapproval. To hate evil means to have a deep, strong reaction against all that is contrary to God's nature and will.
Evil can take many forms—personal sins like greed, envy, and pride, as well as systemic injustices like racism, poverty, and corruption. As Christians, we are called to discern and identify these evils both within ourselves and in the world around us.
Hating evil requires action. It is not enough to simply avoid doing wrong; we must actively oppose it. This may involve standing up against injustice, speaking out against wrongdoing, and working to bring about change in our communities and societies.
In contrast to hating evil, we are called to "love good." This means embracing and promoting all that aligns with God's character and commands.
Loving good means cultivating virtues like kindness, honesty, humility, and compassion in our own lives. It involves striving to live out the teachings of Jesus in every aspect of our daily interactions and decisions.
Loving good also means actively working to create a society that reflects God’s justice and mercy. This could involve volunteering, supporting charitable causes, advocating for fair laws, and being a voice for the voiceless.
Amos specifically calls for justice in the courts, a reflection of broader societal justice. This highlights the importance of fair and righteous systems of governance and law.
Ensuring justice means advocating for legal systems that protect the rights of all, especially the marginalized and oppressed. It involves holding those in power accountable and ensuring that laws are applied equitably.
Each of us has a role in maintaining justice. This starts with how we treat others in our personal lives and extends to our participation in civic duties. We are called to be people of integrity, ensuring our actions reflect God’s justice and righteousness.
In conclusion, this message is a clarion call to live lives that reflect God's holiness and love. We are to hate evil, love good, and actively work for justice. This call requires more than passive belief; it demands proactive, courageous living.
As we continue our journey, let us commit ourselves to this divine mandate. Let us examine our hearts, root out evil, cultivate goodness, and strive for justice. In doing so, we reflect the character of our God and offer hope to a world in desperate need of His light and love.
God bless you.
Prayer key:
1. Lord thank you for the blessing of your word today in Jesus Christ name
2. Lord, grant me the grace to hate evil in its entirety in Jesus Christ name.
3. Lord, grant me the grace to always love for what is right and true in Jesus Christ name.
4. Thank you Lord for answered prayers in Jesus Christ name. Amen.