I’m feeling appalled

Feeling appalled arises when we encounter something that shocks us, disgusts us, or violates our moral or ethical beliefs to the point of being deeply disturbed. It’s your heart signaling that what you’ve witnessed or experienced goes against your values or sense of right and wrong. Appall can feel overwhelming as it calls attention to something we find deeply unsettling. While it’s natural to feel appalled at wrongdoing or injustice, it’s important to handle these feelings with wisdom, choosing how to respond in a way that reflects God’s justice, mercy, and love.

What You Might Be Feeling Right Now

You might feel a strong emotional reaction to something you find morally or ethically wrong, such as seeing injustice, dishonesty, or harmful behavior. This feeling often leads to a sense of outrage or disbelief as you try to process what you’ve encountered. Appall can also make you feel disturbed, as if what you’ve witnessed goes against your basic sense of decency. This emotional response can prompt you to act, whether by speaking out or seeking justice, but it's important to ensure your actions are grounded in God’s love and righteousness.

God’s Heart for You in Appall

Psalm 11:5
"The Lord examines the righteous, but the wicked, those who love violence, he hates with a passion."
God is deeply concerned with justice and righteousness. When we feel appalled by sin or wrongdoing, it’s a reflection of God’s own righteous anger against evil. However, while God hates sin, He calls us to approach these situations with His heart—seeking justice, but also showing mercy and grace.

Romans 12:21
"Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."
When we encounter evil, it’s natural to feel appalled. However, God calls us to respond in a way that overcomes evil with good. Instead of being consumed by outrage or anger, we are called to seek reconciliation, healing, and justice in a way that reflects God’s character.

Micah 6:8
"He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."
In response to wrongdoing, God calls us to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with Him. While it’s right to feel appalled by injustice or wrongdoing, our response should seek God’s justice, mercy, and humility, bringing about positive change rather than just condemnation.

What You Can Do Right Now

• Reflect on Your Response: When feeling appalled, take a moment to reflect on why you are so disturbed. Are your feelings coming from a place of righteous anger, or are they rooted in personal offense or misunderstanding? Ask God to help you discern the difference.
• Respond with Righteous Action: If your feelings of appall stem from injustice, seek to take righteous action. This could mean speaking out, supporting the vulnerable, or taking steps to address the wrong in a way that aligns with God’s values.
• Avoid Being Overcome by Anger: It’s easy to be consumed by anger when we’re appalled, but God calls us to respond with His grace and wisdom. Channel your feelings into constructive actions that lead to positive change, rather than reacting impulsively or harshly.
• Pray for Justice and Mercy: Ask God to help you see the situation through His eyes, balancing justice with mercy. Pray for wisdom in how to respond in a way that brings glory to God and works toward His good purpose in the situation.
• Trust in God’s Ultimate Justice: Even when we feel appalled by sin or injustice, trust that God is the ultimate judge. He sees all things, and He will make all things right in His perfect timing. Rest in the assurance that God’s justice will prevail.

A Prayer for This Moment

"Lord, I am feeling appalled by what I’ve seen or experienced, and I bring these feelings to You. Please help me to discern Your heart in this situation and respond with righteousness, mercy, and grace. Give me the strength to overcome evil with good, and help me to act justly while loving mercy. I trust that You are the ultimate judge, and that You will bring justice in Your time. Thank You for Your wisdom and for guiding my actions. Amen."