Disgust is an emotion we often associate with negativity. The feeling rises when we see something rotten, filthy, or morally offensive. Most of the time, we try to avoid disgust, seeing it as something to push away. But have you ever considered that disgust, when properly directed, can be good for a Christian?

In the physical world, disgust helps us stay away from things that could harm us – spoiled food, disease, or filth. In the spiritual world, it plays a similar role. It warns us against sin, evil, and anything that corrupts our relationship with God. The Bible encourages us to develop a godly sense of disgust toward wickedness.

Disgust Protects Us from Sin
The psalmist writes, “Through Your precepts I get understanding; Therefore I hate every false way” (Psalm 119:104). Notice that he doesn’t just avoid sin; he hates it. His love for God’s truth produces a deep revulsion for falsehood and evil. When we grow in our knowledge of God’s Word, we develop a stronger sense of discernment, and sin no longer looks appealing. Instead, it becomes repulsive.

Disgust Helps Us Pursue Holiness
Romans 12:9 tells us, “Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.”. To abhor means to feel intense disgust. Paul is teaching that a mature Christian should have an emotional reaction to evil, one that drives them away from it. This isn’t about hating people but about hating the sin that separates people from God. When we truly love righteousness, sin will no longer feel desirable.

Disgust Draws Us Closer to God
Proverbs 8:13 says, “The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverse mouth I hate.” A healthy fear of the Lord includes disgust toward the things that offend Him. The more we love God, the more we will feel disgusted by anything that dishonors Him. This isn’t a burden; it’s a sign of spiritual growth.

Disgust isn’t always bad. When directed by the word of God, it protects us, keeps us from sin, and deepens our love for God. Instead of suppressing it, ask God to refine your heart so that you love what He loves and reject what He rejects. The closer we get to Jesus, the more we will be repelled by anything that draws us away from Him.

By: Justin Odom