Hating Sin

Hating sin is not a popular idea. It sounds harsh, extreme, and uncomfortable. But Scripture makes it clear that a casual attitude toward sin is dangerous—not just to our lives here, but to our relationship with God.

The question isn’t whether sin exists in our lives. The real question is how we view it.

Why We Sin—and Why It’s So Dangerous

Paul lists the works of the flesh in Galatians 5, and among them is selfish ambition. At the heart of sin is desire—what we want, what feels good, what brings momentary pleasure. Sin thrives when we refuse to let go of worldly desires.

These things don’t just exist quietly in our lives. They destroy things that matter—our influence, our relationships, our peace, and our joy.

David is a sobering example. Driven by the flesh, he entered a sinful relationship, attempted to hide it with lies, and ultimately arranged the death of an innocent man. It’s easy to point fingers at David, but the pattern is familiar. Many of us have experienced how one lie leads to another, how sin multiplies when it’s protected instead of confronted.

Paul warns that the danger goes far beyond earthly consequences. In Romans 8, he says that setting the mind on the flesh is death. Living according to the flesh leads to death. Those who practice these things will not inherit the kingdom of God. The flesh is hostile toward God and cannot please Him.

That should frighten us.

When something pulls us away from God, it cannot be treated lightly. If I want God—and I do—then anything that stands between me and Him must go. Completely.

Developing the Right Attitude Toward Sin

Paul doesn’t tell Christians to manage sin, minimize it, or coexist with it. He tells us to kill it.

“If you live according to the flesh, you will die,” he says. “But if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.” Sin isn’t something to trim back—it’s part of the old self that must be destroyed.

That’s why Paul uses such strong language. In Galatians 2:20 he says he has been crucified with Christ. That word matters.

Crucifixion wasn’t just death—it was humiliation, brutality, and public disgrace. It was reserved for the worst criminals, the lowest of the low. The goal wasn’t merely to end a life, but to utterly destroy the person—physically, emotionally, and socially.

Paul chooses that word on purpose.

When he says the old self is crucified, he’s describing an intense hatred for sin. Not something politely removed, but something torn out, beaten, exposed, and executed. Sin is not worthy of existence in the life of a Christian.

When the crowd shouted, “Crucify Him!” they were declaring Jesus unfit to live. Paul teaches us to shout that same verdict at our old self.

Acting on That Attitude

Hatred for sin must turn into action.

Paul makes it clear: the flesh will die either way. It will either die as it destroys you—or you will put it to death by the Spirit and live.

In Colossians 3, Paul lays out the pattern. First, we set our minds on things above. Then we put to death what belongs to the flesh. And finally, we clothe ourselves with qualities that reflect Christ—compassion, humility, patience, love.

These are not accessories. We “put them on” so they define us. This is what replaces sin. A Christian life is not empty space where sin used to be—it is filled with Christlike character.

Living as Light

Paul develops this further in Ephesians 5. Sin is described as darkness—something that must not remain hidden or tolerated. Christians are no longer darkness; we are light.

That means we walk differently. We search for what pleases God. We fill our lives with goodness, righteousness, and truth. When we live this way, light exposes darkness—both in the world and in ourselves.

Paul tells us to make the most of every opportunity because the days are evil. Every moment is a window—a chance to walk in the light before that opportunity closes. That’s why we must understand the Lord’s will, fill our minds with His truth, and let it guide our decisions.

A light-filled Christian is careful, intentional, wise, and focused on what matters most.

Why This Matters

Sin is not something to tolerate, excuse, or negotiate with. It is deadly. If we love God, we must hate what separates us from Him.

That hatred isn’t born out of anger—it’s born out of love. Love for God. Love for life. Love for what Christ died to give us.

The old self must not reign. It must be crucified.

Because only when sin dies can we truly live.