What does it mean to loathe sin? The word “loathe” in the original language, and in the context of the verse at hand, is to “hate, disgust; to experience a feeling of intense sickening” at the sin one has committed. Not only that, but as God states, we will “loathe ourselves,” for committing the sin. What bitterness of soul do we experience, who profess faithfulness to Christ, when carried away by evil desire (James 1:14). We grieve over our sin, and we look to Christ for the refreshing of life. This is directly in line with the teaching of Jesus, who states, “You must hate your life, or you cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:26). If we sin, we must loathe ourselves for committing it, look to Christ’s victory, and experience God’s pardoning.
