I Look at the Faithless With Disgust – Psalm 119:153-160

The psalmist declares that he looks on the faithless, the wicked, with disgust.  Is this permission to hate unbelievers?  Should we avoid them at all costs?  Should we condemn them publicly for their disgustingness?  NO!  It sounds trite, but hating the sin and loving the sinner is exactly the attitude we must have.  As Paul says, “I wrote to you in a letter not to associate with sexually immoral people. I did not mean the immoral people of this world or the greedy and swindlers or idolaters; otherwise you would have to leave the world,” (1 Corinthians 5:9,10), and Jesus taught, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,” (Matthew 5:44).

Resh   

Look on my affliction and deliver me, for I do not forget your law.  Plead my cause and redeem me; give me life according to your promise!  Salvation is far from the wicked, for they do not seek your statutes.  Great is your mercy, O LORD; give me life according to your rules.  Many are my persecutors and my adversaries, but I do not swerve from your testimonies.  I look at the faithless with disgust, because they do not keep your commands.  Consider how I love your precepts! Give me life according to your steadfast love.  The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.  (Psalm 119:153-160 ESV)

When we try to do the right thing in accord with God’s law it can bring opposition.  Because Yahweh is the just One we desire God’s help in pleading our cause.  We are also in need of His mercy because we are not always totally innocent ourselves.  But we see the clear distinction between us and our persecutors and know they are faithless and do not share our commitment to keeping God’s precepts.  We must stand for the truth.