Carol Swenson
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INSENSITIVITY (Indifferent, Thoughtless, Unresponsive)
How can insensitivity be a self-destructive attitude?
BIBLE READING: Psalm 5:1-12
KEY BIBLE VERSE: I know you get no pleasure from wickedness and cannot tolerate the slightest sin. (Psalm 5:4, TLB)
We may become insensitive to sin. God cannot condone or excuse even the smallest sin. Therefore we cannot excuse ourself for sinning only a little bit. As we grow spiritually, our sensitivity to sin increases. What is your reaction to sin in your life? Are you insensitive, unconcerned, disappointed, or comfortable? As God makes us aware of sin, we must be intolerant toward it and be willing to change. All believers should strive to be more tolerant of people but less tolerant of the sin in others and in themselves.
BIBLE READING: Matthew 15:21-28
KEY BIBLE VERSE: But Jesus gave her no reply—not even a word. Then his disciples urged him to send her away. “Tell her to get going,” they said, “for she is bothering us with all her begging.” (Matthew 15:23, TLB)
Insensitivity may lead us to cut ourself off from others. The disciples asked Jesus to get rid of the woman because she was bothering them with her nagging persistence. They showed no compassion for her or sensitivity to her needs. It is possible to become so occupied with spiritual matters that we miss real needs right around us. This is especially likely if we are prejudiced against needy people or if they cause us inconvenience. Instead of being bothered, be aware of the opportunities that surround you. Be open to the beauty of God’s message for all people, and make an effort not to shut out those who are different from you.
BIBLE READING: Matthew 23:37-39
KEY BIBLE VERSE: O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets, and stones all those God sends to her! How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen gathers her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn’t let me. (Matthew 23:37, TLB)
Persistent insensitivity blinds us to our own needs. Jesus wanted to gather his people together as a hen protects her chicks under her wings, but they wouldn’t let him. Jesus also wants to protect us if we will just come to him. Many times we hurt and don’t know where to turn. We reject Christ’s help because we don’t think he can give us what we need. But who knows our needs better than our Creator? Those who turn to Jesus will find that he helps and comforts as no one else can.
Insensitivity blinds us to God’s presence. Jerusalem was the capital city of God’s chosen people, the ancestral home of David, Israel’s greatest king, and the location of the temple, the earthly dwelling place of God. It was intended to be the center of worship of the true God and a symbol of justice to all people. But Jerusalem had become blind to God and insensitive to human need. Here we see the depth of Jesus’ feelings for lost people and for his beloved city, which would soon be destroyed.
(The Handbook of Bible Application)
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