A discussion on Disgust

This past weekend (July 25-26) we talked about the movie Inside Out and focused on disgust (you can hear the message HERE).  The ending challenge was, if something disgusts you, do something about it.  Here are some things to work through by yourself, with your family, or with friends.

Revelation 3:14-22 (ESV)

14 “And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: ‘The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God's creation.

15 “‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! 16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. 17 For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. 18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see. 19 Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. 21 The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. 22 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’”

SEE THROUGH Jesus EYES.  (see the world with a Biblical Worldview)

A Worldview is the core set of beliefs a person has by which he/she interprets all that is experienced in life, that life is built on, the filter through which all decisions are made, etc.

READ THIS TEXT:  Matthew 9:35-38  (ESV)

35 And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; 38 therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”

REFLECT ON THESE QUESTIONS:

·      What did Jesus see?  How did He respond?

·      What do you see while you are going?  How do you/did you respond?

What does COMPASSION look like?

·      The word “compassion” literally means to “suffer with.”  A powerful deep awareness of someone else’s hurt, pain, suffering, etc, that moves you to respond. 

·      Did you know there are over 90 references to compassion in the Bible (most are linked to Jesus)

·      Compassion isn’t to be confused with sympathy which is being sad about another’s sadness, nor is it empathy, when that sorrow is expressed to the saddened one, nor is it pity which often moves us to what to help “if we only could.”  COMPASSION goes a step farther.  It is more than a feeling, more than a mere desire to help, it creates a determination and then a decision to ACTUALLY HELP - even if only in a small way.

REFLECT ON THIS

·      Take some time this week to look up the references to “compassion” in the Bible.  Use your concordance or GOOGLE it.

READ THE PARABLE of the GOOD SAMARITAN (Luke:10:25-37)

The verse to highlight… 33 But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion.

REFLECT on THIS

·      What did the priest and the Levite see?  How did they respond?

·      What did the Samaritan see?  How did he respond?

·      In the story, do you see an opportunity or a problem?

(our worldview shapes our perspective of a situation)

THE CHALLENGE:  Do something this week….

1.  PRAY.  “Pray earnestly” as Jesus directed.

·      Would you agree that “…the harvest is plentiful?”

·      Would you agree that there are people out there that are “harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd?”

·      Would you agree that there are people who are beaten down by life, being passed by on the other side by those who see them as a problem, not an opportunity?

PRAY THIS WEEK to God that He will send workers into the fields of the harvest… that he would send YOU.

2.  SEE.  See through Jesus eyes.

·      Study the context of the 90+ passages about compassion.  How does Jesus do what He does and what actions does He take?

·      PRAY that God would give you compassion to DO SOMETHING in His Name.

3.  ACT.  Put yourself in the place with the most potential.

·      Make it a point to not just sit and be fed, but exercise your gifts wherever God calls you to do it.

·      Don’t give excuses.  If God is calling, answer