Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.

Continuing with Romans 12.

[Disclaimer: I am on Dayquil.]

[Picture credit: http://onthejob.45things.com/2010/02/how-to-hang-on-to-new-job.php]

"Hate what is evil; cling to what is good."

First thing you think of when you hear this phrase? "Hugs not drugs!" Or at least someone telling you not to do something, as if you're a little kid. "Don't bring bugs in the house." "Don't just wet your toothbrush and say that you brushed your teeth." "Don't run around the pool." At first, you're disinclined to listen, but then you notice that it's two "do" actions, not two "don't" actions. Mrs. Sorenson (my 2nd grade teacher) said that those are better rules to have, because they're happier to follow.

Hate must be just as sincere as love. It means that you feel utter repulsion from something. It should push you towards good with the same wonky sensation as a repelling magnet.

Cling? Just like in the picture above, it may mean holding on with your last finger. It's like in the movie, The Guardian, when they talk about how Ben Randall held onto a harnessless man with just his fingertips, as the helicopter they were dangling from thrashed about in the wind and they were buffeted by waves from below. The character tore tendons in his arm and was out of commission for months, but he saved that man's life.

It's important to practice this

in both your actions and your thoughts.

Don't linger if you know something isn't right.

Run.

And cling to good.

Don't listen to thoughts that you aren't good enough.

Run.

Cling to Jesus.

He thought you were good enough.

He died for you.