The common phrase “love the sinner, hate the sin” is often used when discussing how Christians should view and treat those who engage in sinful behaviors. This phrase affirms the need to balance both grace and truth when interacting with others. However, it lacks nuance and can be interpreted in contradictory ways. A thorough examination of Scripture reveals a more complex perspective on relating to sinners that goes beyond just loving them while hating their sin.
The call to love others
There are numerous verses in the Bible that command Christians to love others, even those considered enemies or outsiders. Jesus said the two greatest commandments are to love God and love your neighbor (Matthew 22:37-39). He taught that loving enemies was a distinguishing mark of his followers, saying “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:44-45). The apostle John wrote that love is from God and that Christians should love one another (1 John 4:7-11). Paul instructed in Romans 12:14 and 17-21 that believers should bless their persecutors, live in harmony with others as far as it depends on them, overcome evil with good, and feed their enemies if they are hungry.
These and other passages make it clear that Christians have a duty to love all people, regardless of lifestyle, beliefs, or moral behavior. This unconditional love reflects the love of God, who “so loved the world” that he sent his Son to die for sinners (John 3:16). Loving others should be the defining quality of Christ’s disciples.
The need to confront sin
At the same time, the Bible offers stern warnings against approving of or indulging in sinful practices. Romans 1:32 says that those who give approval to people who practice sin are just as guilty themselves. Ephesians 5:11 instructs believers to “take no part” in works of darkness, but rather expose them. 1 Timothy 5:20 says that those who persist in sin should be rebuked publicly. And Ezekiel 33:8 states that if God’s people do not actively warn the wicked to turn from sin, they will be held accountable.
These verses demonstrate that there is a firm biblical basis for reproving sin and calling sinners to repentance. Allowing others to remain trapped in sin without voicing any objection is portrayed as unloving in Scripture (James 5:19-20). Speaking the truth is vital, no matter how uncomfortable or politically incorrect it may be (Ephesians 4:15). According to 2 Timothy 4:2, pastors must “reprove, rebuke, and exhort” when necessary.
The pattern of Jesus
Jesus perfectly modeled a balance between grace and truth in his dealings with sinful people. He forged meaningful connections with prostitutes, tax collectors, adulterers, and others on the margins of society (Matthew 9:10-13, Luke 19:1-10). He showed incredible compassion, spending time with sinners rather than condemning them from a distance. At the same time, Christ frequently exhorted people to “go and sin no more” after offering mercy and forgiveness (John 5:14, John 8:11). He commanded radical life change, not merely pardon.
As seen in his gentle treatment of the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:1-26) and his firm rebuke of the hypocritical Pharisees (Matthew 23:1-36), Jesus combined acceptance and love with uncompromising calls to holiness. His ministry is the perfect illustration of hating sin while loving sinners.
Not minimizing sin
If Christians only focus on loving sinners without any emphasis on correcting unrighteous behavior, they risk minimizing the serious consequences of sin. Calling people to repentance is an act of love, as it places them on a path to healing and wholeness (Hebrews 12:10, Revelation 3:19). Affirming same-sex relationships, adultery, greed, dishonest business practices, and other sins as acceptable lifestyles opposes the truth and loving guidance of Scripture (1 Corinthians 6:9-11, Ephesians 5:3-7).
At times, Paul sternly reprimanded churches for being too tolerant of sin in their midst and not holding members accountable (1 Corinthians 5:1-2). Loving others should spur concern for their spiritual state, not indifference to the state of their souls.
A gracious rebuke
However, the way Christians call out sinful behavior in others also matters. Their tone should be gracious and humble, not arrogant or self-righteous (Galatians 6:1, 2 Timothy 2:24-26). Their motivation must be love for their neighbor, not gain for themselves. As Titus 1:9 says, elders should be able both to encourage others with sound doctrine and also rebuke those who contradict it.
Christians should remove the log from their own eye before pointing out the speck in someone else’s eye (Matthew 7:1-5). A loving attitude makes correction much easier to receive. Additionally, believers should point to the grace and forgiveness available in Christ that empowers people to conquer sin (Titus 2:11-12).
Hate the sin, not the sinner
“Hate the sin but love the sinner” reminds Christians not to develop hatred or animosity toward individuals engaging in immoral behavior. In fact, Jesus commanded love for enemies, persecutors, and hypocrites—those committing grave sins. However, Scripture repeatedly contrasts love for sinners with hatred of wickedness and evil.
The prophet Amos preached, “Hate evil, and love good, and establish justice in the gate” (Amos 5:15). The psalmist wrote of the Lord, “You hate all evildoers” (Psalm 5:5) while also saying “lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness…make your way straight before me” (Psalm 5:8). God’s hatred of sin coexists with His love for creation. Believers must emulate both His kindness and His holiness.
All sin harms humanity
Humanity’s universal sinfulness means no person has grounds for feeling morally superior to another. Romans 3:23 states plainly that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” All people require God’s mercy, whether they are guilty of religious self-righteousness or sexual immorality. Recognition of their own spiritual poverty makes Christians gentle in addressing sin instead of judgmental (Galatians 6:1).
At the same time, some sins cause greater damage to human wellbeing than others. Although gossip and murder are both sins, murder brings much greater harm. Christians should hate sins according to the suffering they inflict, not based on the perceived worthiness of the people who commit them.
Following the steps of correction
When believers observe a fellow Christian ensnared in sin, they should lovingly confront the behavior. Matthew 18:15-17 provides a basic pattern for addressing sin in the church: speak privately first, then with two or three others if needed, then bring the matter before the whole congregation if the person remains unrepentant.
The goal is always restoration. However, if gentle correction fails to inspire change, Jesus taught that treating the sinner like “a Gentile and a tax collector” may be warranted (Matthew 18:17). This implies avoiding close fellowship until repentance occurs. Still, even tax collectors and Gentiles received the blessing of the gospel through Christ’s witnesses.
Praying for repentance
Christians concerned about patterns of sin should faithfully pray for God to grant repentance. Speaking truth without prayer often leads to fruitless conflict and shame. Prayer acknowledges dependence on God’s work in people’s hearts. Second Timothy 2:25 says “God may perhaps grant them repentance.” Believers must plant gospel seeds and water them with prayer, trusting God for growth.
Additionally, they can follow Christ’s example of offering grace to sinners without affirming sin. Relating to all people, including LGBT individuals, addicts, and criminals, as imperfect image-bearers deserving of love does not require approving their choices. It means extending God’s love with the hope of redemption.
Limits to fellowship
If an unrepentant, self-professed Christian insists on continuing in overt sinful practices without remorse, the church cannot simply overlook the matter. First Corinthians 5:11-13 prohibits close association with any so-called brother or sister involved in sexual immorality, greed, idolatry, slander, drunkenness or swindling. Their refusal to repent indicates a serious spiritual problem.
Expulsion protects the church’s witness and urges the wayward member to deeply consider their spiritual state (1 Corinthians 5:5). However, this is a drastic final measure, not a quick first response. Patience, prayer and gentleness should precede such action.
Restoration after repentance
Just as discipline against unrepentant sinners aims to spur repentance, those who do repent should be fully welcomed back into fellowship. This was the case for the expelled man in 1 Corinthians 5 who later repented of his sin. Paul urged the church to “forgive and comfort him” and reaffirm their love for him (2 Corinthians 2:6-8). The father of the prodigal son threw a feast when his wayward son returned home (Luke 15:11-32).
Likewise, Christians must avoid holding a grudge or bringing up repented sins again. Restoration should be wholehearted, not reluctant or partial. Forgiveness through Christ offers a completely new start.
All need God’s grace
Every human heart battles sinful tendencies (Romans 7:21-25). Recognition of personal spiritual weakness produces compassion toward others still trapped in sin. Christians professing to be without sin deceive themselves (1 John 1:8). Awareness of their own flaws makes them gentle surgeons seeking to heal wounds, not harsh judges.
Grace is the only solution to humanity’s universal sickness. Christians point to Christ not only by warning of sin’s dangers but also by highlighting sin’s cure in the Savior’s love. God’s kindness leads to repentance (Romans 2:4). Grace is the hallmark of the gospel message and the believer’s ministry.
Speak truth with love
When addressing controversial moral issues like homosexuality, just as with greed or adultery, Christians must follow the model of Christ. Jesus believed in absolute truth while also extending mercy to broken people. God’s word judges sin without excusing it. But God’s people are called to build bridges toward lost sheep, not just condemn their wandering.
According to Ephesians 4:15, Christians should speak truth in love. Compassion must permeate truth-telling. Gentle restoration of the fallen should motivate any rebuke of sin. Believers should pray for wisdom to apply biblical principles with discernment, trusting the Holy Spirit for guidance in each unique situation.
Humbly rely on God’s grace
Put simply, Christians cannot “love the sinner but hate the sin” in their own strength. Only God’s Spirit enables believers to uphold His standards with patience, wisdom and mercy. Christians themselves require God’s daily grace and forgiveness. Recognition of their own frailty makes them gracious toward others.
By God’s power working within them, His followers can love as He loves: unconditionally, sacrificially and without pretense. They can humbly hold out the hope of redemption to all, even those still lost in the darkest sins. As recipients of immeasurable mercy, Christians point others to the One who alone can transform hearts. With gentleness, humility and persistence, they faithfully sow gospel seeds in prayerful dependence on the Savior.