HATE EVIL & CLING TO WHAT IS GOOD, GODLY

HATE EVIL & CLING TO WHAT IS GOOD, GODLY

The church then had peace throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria, and it became stronger as the believers lived in the fear of the Lord. And with the encouragement of the Holy Spirit, it also grew in numbers. —Acts 9:31

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8Qby8TKLME This is how the early church grew stronger and then by the Holy Spirit’s encouragement the early church also grew in numbers. They had a proper fear of the Lord. “To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech” (Proverbs 8:13). “Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil” (Proverbs3:7). The person who truly fears the Lord is going to “Hate what is evil; cling to what is good” (Romans 12:9).

http://biblehub.com/romans/12-9.htm Jesus said, “I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him” (Luke 12:4-5).

Can an individual or a local church grow spiritually without the fear of the Lord? Are they hating evil and clinging to what is good?

Dear Father, please help me to have a proper perspective on Who You are, who I am and Your desires for me. May I flee evil, hate evil and cling and love what is good according to Your Word. May it be so in the encouragement of the Holy Spirit and in the authority of Jesus.