May 7

Let No Evil Remain

Nothing devoted to destruction shall cling to your hands, so that the LORD will turn from His fierce anger, grant you mercy, show you compassion, and multiply you as He swore to your fathers, — Deut 13:17 BSB

Israel was commanded to conquer idolatrous cities and destroy everything that had been tainted by idolatry, treating it as something cursed and burning it with fire. Similarly, as Christians, we must deal with sin in the same way. We can’t allow a single sinful habit to remain. We must go to war with all kinds of sin—whether in the body, the mind, or the spirit. Giving up evil doesn’t earn us God’s mercy, but it is a result of God’s grace, which we certainly don’t want to miss out on.

When God leads us to show no mercy to our sins, it’s a sign that He is showing great mercy to us. When we become angry with sin, God is no longer angry with us. When we increase our efforts to fight against wrongdoing, the Lord multiplies His blessings. The path to peace, growth, safety, and joy in Christ is found in following this principle: “Nothing cursed shall cling to your hand.” Lord, purify me today. Compassion, prosperity, growth, and joy will surely follow those who resolve to put away sin completely.