(Matthew 5:44).Ī persistent theme, especially in the Old Testament and through the prophets, is the constant call to resist evil, to end unjust economic practices and unjust courts, and to end oppression or lack of care for the vulnerable - widows, orphans and foreigners in the land.Īsk your questions and check out more FAQS. Jesus is clear how we are to treat those who act with evil against us: love them, praying for and doing good even to those who persecute us. This does not, however, warrant violence against other people. We are called to take strong action against the evil that may be said to motivate, pre-condition or, in some instances, cause the actions other persons may take. The verb in Romans 12 for hate in particular means to hate violently or specifically, to abhor so completely that one takes action against the object of such hatred (the evil itself). Loving and hating are not seen in Scripture as mere attitudes, but rather are understood as always being embodied in real action. In Romans 12:9, we are taught to, "Love unambiguously, hating the evil, holding fast to the truth." Amos 5:15 similarly says, "Hate evil love good. The renunciation of evil is rooted in Scripture. Since the earliest times, the vows of Christian baptism have begun with the renunciation of evil and then the profession of faith and loyalty to Christ. In our baptismal vows, United Methodists commit to "renounce the spiritual forces of wickedness, reject the evil powers of this world" and "resist evil, injustice, and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves."
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