“You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy” (Hebrews 1:9).
This verse us easily misunderstood by many because it isn’t what we expect to hear. It is especially troubling to those who equate wickedness with fun and joy. Then there are those who are affected by a cultural picture of those who hate wickedness and love righteousness. They see the fanatic who is sour, bitter and stands on a street corner reading Scriptures promising judgment against sinners. Here, The Bible says that because Jesus hated wickedness and loved righteousness God anointed Him with joy.
The solution to the misunderstanding is simple. Wickedness is bad and harmful to us. Righteousness is healthy. To embrace both results in joy. Jesus is full of joy because He brings healing to the things and attitudes that harm and destroy us. He brings a love of righteousness that initiates spiritual well-being.
Who would ever want to be a Christian if it turned someone into a snarling, unpleasant killjoy with a condescending, miserable attitude toward others? If we want to be like Jesus, a joyful attitude best represents Him. Not joy at the plight of the wicked, but joy because God has come to our rescue with His righteousness. I was once rebuked by a church member for smiling too much. Why shouldn’t I smile? Jesus has forgiven my wickedness and by His grace given me His Righteousness.
Following Him is the key to joy, not the abandonment of it. Christians are to be the most joyful people on earth. We rejoice in the Lord even when we face tough times. We don’t have to be afraid to follow Christ. We aren’t giving up joy to love righteousness and hate wickedness. That’s where we find joy. There is more joy in trusting Jesus and becoming more like Him than we could ever find without Him.
