Love the Sinner but Hate the Sin: Understanding the True Meaning

We often hear the phrase “Love the sinner but hate the sin”, sometimes worded slightly differently, such as “Hate the sin and love the sinner.” 

Regardless of the phrasing, it’s repeated so frequently that most of us never stop to ask what it really means, or whether we actually live by it.

First, it’s important to note that the phrase isn’t actually in the Bible. It’s a condensed idea derived from Biblical principles, popularized by St. Augustine and later referenced by Mahatma Gandhi. 

On its own, the concept is sound, but over time it has become quite trite; it’s spoken as a hollow mantra and, worse, as a thinly veiled judgment.

Some of the verses this concept is from:

• “And have mercy on some, who are doubting; save others, snatching them out of the fire; and on some have mercy with fear, hating even the garment polluted by the flesh.” Jude 1:22–23

  
  

• “Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king.” 1 Pt 2:17

  
  

• “But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,” Luke 6:27

  
  

• “First of all, then, I urge that requests, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made in behalf of all people, for kings and all who are in authority, [..]” 1 Tim 2:1–3

  
  

I’m going to bet those stung a wee bit, considering the climate in our society at the moment. Everyone is hating on everyone, and that includes Christians.

Here’s what I see daily: people repeating this phrase over and over, but not out of understanding, but as an excuse to nod approvingly at their own assumed “moral superiority,” and then walk away in judgment.

Beyond The Words

We do not have to condone sin, and before assuming any moral high ground, remember: we are all sinners. But we are called to act differently from the world; the world judges harshly, and we are not to join in that behavior.

You need to know, it is ok to look out at the world and feel empathy. But it’s not ok to see someone dressed a certain way and judge them harshly for the path they are taking that leads them away from God. 

It is not our job to gossip about them behind their backs, wish them harm, or make fun of them; it is not our job to look at them any less than you would the person sitting next to you in a church pew. It is our duty to pray for them.

To “love the sinner ”is to extend grace, empathy, and care, even when we disagree or recoil. To “hate the sin” is to reject destructive behavior, but without letting condemnation eclipse compassion. It’s a call to humility, not judgment; to action, not empty repetition.

In practice, it means listening more than speaking, helping more than condemning, and reserving space for both truth and mercy. It challenges us to see people as God sees them: flawed, but beloved, worthy of love even when we cannot embrace their choices.

Love the sinner.

Hate the sin. 

But never let your judgment drown out your mercy.

© Jane Isley

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