Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned … (Romans 5:12)

Daily reading: 2 Samuel 3

We all have pet hates—small annoyances that get under our skin. An example might be people who leave shopping trolleys unattended while they wander off to shop, or inaccurate use of the word ‘literally!’ But God’s ‘hate’ is far more serious. Scripture tells us God hates sin because of the destruction it brings. Sin isn’t just wrongdoing—it’s rebellion. Like Japanese Knotweed, it spreads, disrupts and destroys. From Eden to today, sin has affected every human and the whole of creation. Natural disasters, disease and death all trace back to sin’s root. We can’t live sinlessly or avoid its penalty. But there is One who could and did. Jesus, the sinless Son of God, took our punishment on Himself. The God we rebelled against is the same God who bore the consequence for us. Trust in Him. From spiritual death comes new life—life forever with the God who saves.