What does God think about sin?

If you’ve ever read the Bible, the answer might seem obvious. After all, God’s Word tells us that he sent his only Son to save us from sin and death (John 3:16). His love for us in Jesus Christ is at the center of the gospel message.

It’s true that God loves us. But Scripture is also very clear that God hates sin. Ever since Adam and Eve sinned in Genesis 3, sin has poisoned our relationships with God and with each other. Because God is perfect and holy, he cannot tolerate sin and hates evildoers (Psalm 11:5). And the Bible is clear that we all fall into the category of evildoers (Romans 3:23).

This is where we see the beauty of the gospel. Without Jesus, our sin would keep us separated from God forever. But because of his love for us, he made a way for our sins to be forgiven through Jesus’s sacrifice. When we confess our sins and put our faith in Christ, God promises to cleanse our hearts and grant us the gift of salvation (1 John 1:9).

In our new Christian life, we are called to actively fight against sin using God’s gifts like the Holy Spirit, prayer, Scripture, and Christian community.

7 Bible Verses to Help You Avoid Sin

One of the most straightforward passages about God’s attitude toward sin is found in Proverbs 6:16-19:

There are seven things that the Lord hates and cannot tolerate:
A proud look,
a lying tongue,
hands that kill innocent people,
a mind that thinks up wicked plans,
feet that hurry off to do evil,
a witness who tells one lie after another,
and someone who stirs up trouble among friends.

There are obviously more than seven sins. But this list gives us a good place to start as we consider the sins we struggle with daily.

Examine your heart and study God’s Word to remind yourself that God hates all sin—even the sins we like to think are harmless. Then, ask God to help you overcome these sins in your life.

Here are seven Bible verses that can help you avoid these sins and pursue righteousness in your walk with God.

A proud look.

Pride leads to destruction, and arrogance to downfall.

Proverbs 16:18 GNT

A lying tongue.

Do not lie to one another, for you have put off the old self with its habits and have put on the new self.

Colossians 3:9-10a GNT

Hands that kill innocent people.

“You have heard that people were told in the past, ‘Do not commit murder; anyone who does will be brought to trial.’ But now I tell you: if you are angry with your brother you will be brought to trial, if you call your brother ‘You good-for-nothing!’ you will be brought before the Council, and if you call your brother a worthless fool you will be in danger of going to the fire of hell.”

Matthew 5:21-22 GNT

A mind that thinks up wicked plans.

You have been raised to life with Christ, so set your hearts on the things that are in heaven, where Christ sits on his throne at the right side of God. Keep your minds fixed on things there, not on things here on earth.

Colossians 3:1-2 GNT

Feet that hurry off to do evil.

Do not go where evil people go. Do not follow the example of the wicked. Don’t do it! Keep away from evil! Refuse it and go on your way.

Proverbs 4:14-15 GNT

A witness who tells one lie after another.

“Do not spread false rumors, and do not help a guilty person by giving false testimony. Do not follow the majority when they do wrong or when they give testimony that perverts justice.”

Exodus 23:1-2 GNT

Someone who stirs up trouble among friends.

Avoid stupid arguments, long lists of ancestors, quarrels, and fights about the Law. They are useless and worthless. Give at least two warnings to those who cause divisions, and then have nothing more to do with them. You know that such people are corrupt, and their sins prove that they are wrong.

Titus 3:9-11 GNT