how to hate more
"Get rid of the old yeast to make of yourselves fresh dough." —1 Corinthians 5:7
Because we love God, we love people (1 Jn 5:1). Because we love people, we love sinners, for all have sinned (Rm 3:23). The more we love sinners, the more we hate sin, for sin severely harms the ones we love.
Some people don't think sin is so bad. In fact, it is the most harmful thing there is. It is not only destructive, but it breeds an epidemic of destruction. It is like yeast which "has its effect all through the dough" (1 Cor 5:6). Sin is so toxic and infectious that as a result of one of David's less serious sins, seventy-thousand people died in an epidemic in three days (2 Sm 24:13-15). The worst thing you can do for your spouse, family, church, loved ones, and society is to sin. Therefore, the Church commands us: "Return to the Lord and give up sin, pray to Him and make your offenses few. Turn again to the Most High and away from sin, hate intensely what He loathes" (Sir 17:20-21).
The more we love people and the more we understand sin's effects, the more we will hate sin. Love + knowledge = hatred. Love more; know more; hate more.
Prayer: Father, send the Holy Spirit to teach me the meaning of the words: "My little ones, I am writing this to keep you from sin. But if anyone should sin, we have, in the presence of the Father, Jesus Christ, an Intercessor Who is just. He is an Offering for our sins, and not for our sins only, but for those of the whole world" (1 Jn 2:1-2).
Promise: "For You, O God, delight not in wickedness; no evil man remains with You." —Ps 5:5
Praise: St. Peter Claver ministered to slaves who were suffering under inhuman conditions. He taught them this prayer: "Jesus Christ, Son of God, You will be my Father and my Mother and all my Good. I love You much. I am sorry for having sinned against You. Lord, I love You much, much, much."
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our tape Effects of Sin on audio AV 81-1 or video V-81.)
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, February 7, 2002
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 12, 2002