God often gets a bad rap for hating sin. It’s seen as a sort of divine character flaw. But the reason God dislikes sin is because sin hurts people – and God loves people.
Just as doctors despise alcohol after working all hours in emergency patching up young lives.
Just as parents hate the drugs that have seen their baby throw away their life.
God sees the results of these and many other vices; no wonder God hates sin.
But we humans are enticed by sin. We are titillated by it. Just a little bit can’t hurt. A stolen apple tastes sweet, but leaves a bitter taste in one’s mouth.
True, the religious have often drawn the boundaries of sin too close to legalism; Jesus came and showed us that. That is not God’s fault.
God hates sin because sin hurts people. And God loves people.
Paul Clark’s musings can be heard on radio across Australia and at atthetop.org.au.
PICTURE: Hernan Herrero/www.freeimages.com
