Where does the "Hate the sin, not the sinner" idea come from?

Question

I hear it a lot, is this Biblical?

Sorry guys, too many good answers. Seems like good evidence on both sides of the debate. I'll have to let you vote it out.

Answer 1

No. It's a cop-out Christians like to use. Though often quoted, it's not in the Bible.

It's true that God tells us to love one another as he loved us. It's also true that God says he hates sin. But Christians have taken these two diverse statements and made them into a defense for mistreating homosexuals, abortion doctors, and, heaven forbid, women who want equal rights. When attacked for their judgmental attitudes against gays, for instance, this phrase becomes the catch-all defense as to why their actions are okay in "God's eyes."

Christians forget that we're not told to "hate the sin." We're told to forgive the sin. In Matthew 18:23-35 Christ tells of a slave who was forgiven his debts (just as Christians are forgiven their sins). This slave, however, refused to forgive the debt of a fellow slave (just as Christ asks us to forgive our fellow sinners). Christ called that slave "Evil." All who call themselves "Christian" absolutely must forgive the sins of any other sinner - even the homosexual. The moment they don't, the moment they start brandishing the "love the sinner but hate the sin" argument, they are themselves condemned by the very God they say they serve.

Answer 2

The idea probably comes from John 8:3-11 about the women who was caught in the very act of adultery. The men who brought her before Jesus wanted her to be stoned because Jewish law actually did call for such a response (see Leviticus 20:10). However, as God it was Jesus' decision to extend mercy to her rather than the death penalty. Jesus still shows his displeasure for her sin by saying, “Go now and leave your life of sin,” but on the other hand he spares her life, which would be an illustration of love. Jesus loved or had compassion for the woman and yet also disapproved of her sinful actions. Hope that helps.

Answer 3

This is actually a simplified attitude that coincides with the heart of the Lord. God hates sin, but desires fellowship with man. That is why He sent His only Son to die in our place. This is the theme of the Bible which is summed up in one statement by Jesus.
http://www.schneblin.com/studies/pdfs/john_3-16.pdf

We, as Christians, look to Jesus for emulation. In Matthew 9:11, we see the religious hierarchy criticizing Jesus for eating (a very intimate thing in Jewish culture) with tax collectors and sinners. Does that mean He loves the sin but hates the sinner, or vise verse? Obviously, Jesus was not participating in their sinful ways, but rather was being a light in the darkness. Thereby hating the sin, but loving the sinner.

Answer 4

Look at how Jesus treated people. He did not condemn them as people just because of their sins.

Think of the woman about to be stoned. He stopped that. She wasn't a believer in Jesus before this (I don't know if she was one after either) but Jesus stepped in for her. She had broken the law - and according to the law she must be stoned to death for the sin of adultery. But Jesus did not allow this to happen - because all are guilty of some sin.

Jesus only spoke out against those who tried to twist scriptures or mislead people. But those who came to him, or where in need of help or healing, where treated with great kindness. Several people were healed before ever believing in Jesus.

So, yes I would say it is bibical. Sin is on everyone, in the Christian point of view. None are free of it. It is an infliction, but the person, the soul shaped by God, is to be loved.

Answer 5

John 3:16 and Romans 5:8 tell us that God loved us even while we were giving no thought to Him. However His love is intended to pull us away from the sinful ways of the world.

Answer 6

John 3:16 tells us that God so loved the world that He sent His Son. And His Son Jesus showed us God's Love for the sinner. The Bible says clearly that " their sins" are an abomination to God, not the sinner himself.

Answer 7

Christians use double-talk like this to vilify homosexuals whilst pretending to themselves they are not doing it, it doesn't fool anyone else and it's total crap. It's like saying hate the skin colour not the person within...too bad if you've got the wrong skin colour, sexual orientation is not a sin and it's no more a choice than skin colour. I don't think you'll find any real support for homophobia in the Bible if you read and understand it properly.

Answer 8

It is th biblical concept cause the prophets & god himself did things termed as evil but still made it to be acceptable in god's sight through 4giveness.

He who is without sin cast th first stone.

Answer 9

Ya know....I do not know how to answer this.
Because the Bible does say this:
Psalm 11:5
The LORD examines the righteous, but the wicked and those who love violence his soul hates.

-But I do know that God hates sin- yes. That is why He gave us a free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ (Romans 5:8-9)
I know God loves His children, His sheep, and He draws many to Him everyday, as they hear His wonderful gospel.
I do not know who made up "hate the sin not the sinner" but that is how WE should act- we should not hate others....but we should not like their sin. Because we know the seriousness of sin, and its consequences. We should LOVE one another so much, we want them to know the gospel of Jesus Christ and how important it is.
Romans 5:8
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
-He died for those who will believe in Him, and who already believe in Him--

Answer 10

I don't necessarily think its actually IN the bible i think it refers to not agreeing with their actions, or choices rather than them as a person. Being that we ALL Gods Creations and valuable to him.. So, since we all have a sin nature Because of Adam and eve.. its said to hate, or dislike the choices that they made that don't line up with Gods word.

Answer 11

Is not in the Bible but Jesus teaches us to love one another and not to agree with the sin but to help that person who is sinning to live according to God's word. The Bible says that sin leads to death and righteousness to life. As children of God we have to hate every wrong doing (sins) which comes from the devil and try to help the person to live their life godly.
God bless you.