“Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin,” (James 4:17).

We tend to think that doing wrong is sin. But James tells us that sin is also not doing right. (These two kinds of sin are sometimes called sins of commission and sins of omission). It is a sin to lie; it can also be a sin to know the truth and not tell it. It is a sin to speak evil of someone; it is also a sin to avoid him or her when you know he or she needs your friendship. We should be willing to help as the Holy Spirit guides us. If God has directed you to do a kind act, to render a service, or to restore a relationship, do it. You will experience a renewed and refreshed vitality to your Christian faith.

God Hates Anything Connected To Idolatry
“You shall burn the carved images of their gods with fire; you shall not covet the silver or gold that is on them, nor take it for yourselves, lest you be snared by it; for it is an abomination to the Lord your God. 26: Nor shall you bring an abomination into your house, lest you be doomed to destruction like it. You shall utterly detest it and utterly abhor it, for it is an accursed thing,” (Deut 7:25,26).

7:26: “Bring an abomination into your house.” The “abomination” refers to the silver and gold on the idols of the Canaanites (v.25); anything connected to idolatry had to be destroyed. This admonition to the Israelites to remove whatever was detestable from their houses applies, today, as well. Anything that promotes sin and immorality and is contrary to God’s holy nature must not be allowed into our homes (cf.Ezek 5:7,9). Therefore, believers must be extremely careful that they do not allow the influence of immoral lifestyles of the ungodly to penetrate their homes subtly through entertainment or social media, among others, (cf.12:29-31; 18:12-13; Prov6:l6-19). Rather than permitting evil, sin and ungodliness to be brought into our homes, we must instead “utterly detest it, and…abhor it” for to tolerate and enjoy evil within our homes is to fall under the judgment of God through Him withdrawing His presence and favour (cf. 23:14; see Rom 1:32 note above).

(4.10) What Makes God Happy
Adoring contemplation makes you want God to be happy and smile at you when gazing at Him. Hence, you hate what God hates and love what God loves.
“Blessed are You, O Lord! Teach me Your statutes.” (Ps 119:12).

The word “blessed” is used in two ways: in giving praise to God; and in declaring blessedness (supreme happiness) to man. Such statements to man are called the beatitudes.

• Email: [email protected]. Facebook: Yetunde Mercy Olumide