Dealing With Disgust

Disgust is a reaction that arises when a person’s good taste or moral sense of respect is offended. That is not to say that everyone is disgusted by the same thing.    Disgust may be aroused in many people by something as simple as observing the eating traditions of certain ethnic groups.  In our addiction, our family and acquaintances may have reacted with disgust at the degrading effect our substance of choice had on us.  On the other hand, we may have reacted with disgust at the actions of anyone who tried to interfere with our way of living.

God created us for a joyful relationship with Him and also with one another.  The best way to avoid disgust is to follow the principles for living as set out in the Bible.  We are told not only to look out for own well-being, but to also look to the well-being of others.  Instead of criticizing and finding fault with one another, we are to love and encourage one another to good works, and with grace, forgive one another when we are offended. When we feel disgust rising in us, Jesus' advice is to find a way to respond in love. That doesn’t mean we endorse ugly behaviour, but it does mean that we find a way to think and react to what we see or hear in a way that offers love and calls forth peace.  In our destructive lifestyle of addition Jesus, who rightfully could have been disgusted by our behaviour, chose not to react with judgment but to offer Himself as a sacrifice to save us.

When we have given our will and life over to the care of God, we are freed from all condemnation.  For this reason, let’s be more like Jesus and not judge others, but be willing to love and care for each person’s well-being.

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, You gave Your life so that I might be saved from sin and judgment.  Please help me to encourage those around me to know Your love and forgiveness which will set them free from all condemnation.  Amen

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