I’m disgusted with the word disgusted.
Newsflash: we live in difficult times. Well, I guess it’s not much of a newsflash. Right is now wrong, and wrong is now right. It is so difficult to see some of what is happening all around us. The pressure is on!
My heart aches every time I hear God’s people say, “Well, if you are gay that is disgusting.” Or, if you embrace this or that, “You are disgusting.”
How can we minister to the lost effectively when we hurl insults?
There are many spiritually sick people today, and they need Jesus Christ to change their lives. I was spiritually sick for many years. In my teen years, I am sure there would have been “church folk” who thought I was disgusting. Actually, I was a hurt little girl trying desperately to find my way. While I might have been disgusting to some, I was deeply loved by God. I needed His love, grace, forgiveness and healing.
Do you know the difference between a believer and an unbeliever? It’s the condition of the heart. As believers we now have redeemed hearts, and a redeemed heart should be broken over the person who has a sin-sick heart. Let’s not forget that Jesus came to our rescue when we were lost.
While I believe in standing up for the Word of God and right living according to His Word, our greatest impact will not come by getting in people’s faces. It will come by getting in their hearts. When is the last time you prayed, “Oh, God, let me lead someone to Jesus today?” “Oh God, lots of things will try to upset me today, but use me to be a voice for You.” “Father, I pray for _________ who is trapped in sinful lifestyle. “Father, save _______, and use me to help reach him/her.”
The greatest way that the Church will impact the nation is returning to the Great Commission:
Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” – Matthew 28:16-20
Jesus died for the person(s) we find disgusting. As a matter of fact, I confess, “Jesus died for the disgusting Barbara Benton.”
God loves sinners. Do you?
So very well stated. I’ve wondered where the “Christian ethics” were hiding in all the name calling. Thank you for being the sort of Christian I knew as a child.
As always, Barbara, you speak the Truth very clearly and succinctly in love! Thank you! Lord help us to ‘be angry’ and ‘sin not’ during this particularly challenging day and time we live in as we’re feeling a need to stand up and be heard in some instances. Our attitude and motives must shine through appropriately so others will become ‘thirsty’ for Him and our passion will be to see others have a personal relationship with Jesus!! <3
God has been challenging me along these lines. “See to it that no one misses the grace of God, that no bitter root grows up to defile many.” (Heb. 12:15) When I use harsh, judgemental words, I plant bitter seeds in others. I miss the opportunity to share God’s Grace with them. God has extended His Grace to me. How can I do any less?