Good haters.
These are sadly wanted. Evil is not hated as it ought to be, as in this verse it is commanded to be. The world and the Church alike are suffering from need of those who hate well. The world is left without guidance, and the Church without strength, or honour, or joy.
I. THERE ARE MANY WHO HATE NEITHER GOOD NOR EVIL.
1. They do not hate goodness. They would be shocked to be told they did. They often say fine things about it, and, like Herod with John the Baptist, do "many things" because of it. They do not practise it much—never, unless it is conventional and in good form. Still, they do not hate it. It would be almost better if they did. For then they could not deceive themselves as now they do. They imagine all is well with them, simply because they do not openly oppose goodness. Though not with it, they are, so they flatter themselves, not against it. It was specially to such that our Lord spoke his stern, solemn word, "He that is not with me is against me." They are the would be neutrals. Our Lord likens them to the "house swept and garnished," from which one devil is gone out, but who soon comes back with seven others worse. The publicans and harlots, who know and feel their sin, go into the kingdom of heaven before such.
2. And assuredly they do not hate evil. If it be very gross and flagrant, they will condemn it, but if it comes to them in plausible and specious garb, as it generally does, they make excuses for it, and allow it both in themselves and others. The devil has it pretty much his own way so far as these people are concerned. He fears none but those who hate evil.
II. BUT THOSE WHO LOVE THE LORD MUST HATE EVIL.
1. It stands to reason. Such hatred of evil is but the necessary consequence and concomitant of the love of the Lord; where the one is, the other is also.
2. They will do so always and everywhere. Most and first of all in themselves. Not only in its outward manifestations, but in its secret spring—the heart from whence it proceeds. It is of no use fulminating against evil in others whilst we cherish it in ourselves. This they deeply feel, and hence their perpetual prayer is for the "clean heart." And they will hate evil in others also. They will not connive at it, nor in any way countenance it; their lives will be a witness and protest against it, they will be "the salt of the earth."
III. THE MOTIVES THAT URGE THEM ARE FULL OF FORCE.
1. Sin is the curse of humanity. Its steps are blood marked all through the world's history. It "brought death into the world, and all our woe;" and as it was, so it is still.
2. It slew our Lord. How would we feel towards the murderer of our dearest friend?
3. Whenever we in any degree allow it in ourselves, it weakens and humiliates us, and brings darkness into our souls.
4. It is life or death with us. If we do not destroy it, it will destroy us.
5. It robs us of power over others, save to do them harm.
IV. BUT THIS HATRED OF EVIL NEEDS TO BE DILIGENTLY CHERISHED. For we are in peril of getting used to it, and so of acquiescing in it as a thing that cannot be helped. Therefore:
1. Pray the Holy Spirit to fill you with the love of Christ.
2. To reveal you to yourself.
3. Walk in the light.
4. Confess at once if you have sinned.
5. Openly commit yourself on the Lord's side.
6. Attack evil wherever possible.
7. Pray without ceasing.—S.C.