Managing your emotions Day 4 Disgust

He put out His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; Be cleansed”. - Lk 5:13

The Bible narrates how disgust brought a curse! (2 Sam.6:14-23) King David whirled round dancing with all his heart before Yahweh wearing a linen ephod, before the Ark of Yahweh shouting joyfully and sounding horn. When Michal, Saul’s daughter, looked out of the window and saw King David leaping and whirling round before Yahweh, she despised him in her heart. When Michal scorned him for exposing himself as uncouth men do, David replied “I did that before Yahweh who chose me King of Israel; By Yahweh’s life I swear that I will dance and whirl again before him, I will humble myself still more”. And Michal, Saul’s daughter had no child to the day she died.

Likes and dislikes are products of our perceptions or prejudices. We all detest a few smells, tastes, or appearances. Dislike is natural until it becomes an aversion or disgust, worse still abhorrence. But when it comes to people do not go by the impulse of likes and dislikes. Do not blindly take to some people at the first sight, or grow suspicious of some, when you know nothing of them. Such prejudices are common in the corporate. Particularly when someone in a position goes by his likes and dislikes of people, it is bad. He blindly supports some or picks holes in some in whatever they say and do.

We can learn from how Jesus dealt with disgust at various levels: Physical, political, and professional. On seeing Jesus the man covered with leprosy bowed down to the ground praying “Make me clean”. Perhaps as a Jew, Jesus’ reaction was repulse and aversion. But He overcame his disgust with his love for the man and respect for the image of his Father embedded in him. He stretched out his hand, touched and healed him, saying “Yes! I want to. Be clean.” He sent him with a mission to bear witness to God’s compassion. (Lk.5:12-14)

In another instance when people reported to Jesus that Herod sought to kill him, he was fearless in expressing his disgust: “Go and give that fox my answer. I drive out demons and I heal today and tomorrow and on the third day I finish my course.” (Lk 13: 32) Political misuse of authority has to be detested very strongly and without mincing words.

In the third instance, Jesus disgusted his professional rivals, Pharisees, and lawyers who in many wicked ways brought unbearable burdens on people while they did not move a finger to help them. Jesus spewed curses and seven owes for them. (Mt.23:11-39)

Let us have the same mind that was in Christ Jesus. (Ph.2:5) Never say “It’s disgusting”! It can be very hurting to someone. You are declaring your limits of tolerance. Rather, get to know them more. But sometimes you may deal with people not so good, still do not disgust them. Develop a positive attitude towards them and have a warm relationship. Try to see things from their viewpoint and understand their actions. Who knows? You may be the reason that brings about a change in them. Even when you have to call a spade a spade, show no disgust. Win their confidence and make your point.

Lord give us a heart like yours that the world will know we are your disciples.