Cling to What Is Good in a Confused World
Anchored in the Word with Dave Jenkins
Our culture often blurs the distinction between good and evil, but Christians are called to live by the unchanging standard of God’s character and Word.In this episode of Anchored in the Word, Dave Jenkins examines Romans 12:9 and explains what it means to abhor evil and cling to what is good. He considers the relationship between genuine love, biblical truth, holiness, and daily discernment while showing how Christ transforms His people to love what God loves.
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God Defines What Is Good
Good and evil are not determined by personal preference, cultural consensus, or changing public opinion. God alone determines what is good because He is perfectly holy, righteous, and wise. His Word reveals what honors Him and provides the trustworthy standard Christians need for faithful living.
Genuine Love Rejects Evil
Romans 12:9 declares, “Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.” Biblical love is neither sentimental nor passive. It refuses to embrace what dishonors God while remaining firmly devoted to everything that reflects His character.
Truth and Love Belong Together
Christians do not have to choose between compassion and conviction. Scripture rejects both loveless truth and truthless love. The gospel produces believers who speak the truth in love, treat others with compassion, and remain committed to God’s revealed standard.
Practicing Biblical Discernment
Christians cling to what is good by filling their minds with Scripture, practicing discernment in their daily choices, and pursuing Christlike love. Spiritual maturity involves more than avoiding obvious evil. It requires the active pursuit of everything that honors the Lord.
Christ Transforms His People
Jesus Christ perfectly loved the Father, obeyed the will of God, hated evil, and delighted in righteousness. Through His sinless life, sacrificial death, and victorious resurrection, Christ redeems sinners and transforms them into His likeness. United to Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit, believers can increasingly love what God loves and live for His glory.
Consider This
Are you merely trying to avoid evil, or are you actively pursuing what God calls good? Ask the Lord to help you love what He loves, reject what He rejects, and reflect His character in every area of life.
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