Why Discomfort Might Be the Holy Spirit’s Invitation
Reframing the emotions we avoid in conversations about justice, culture, and faith
As Christians, many of us have been taught to lean into the “positive” emotions—joy, gratitude, peace—and to avoid the “negative” ones like anger, grief, or discomfort.
But what if the real divide isn’t between positive and negative?
What if it’s between comfortable and uncomfortable?
That shift matters. Especially when it comes to how we show up in conversations about social and cultural issues.
The Discomfort We Don’t Know What to Do With
We’re quick to celebrate unity.
We love the language of love.
But when racism, injustice, gender dynamics, classism, or inequity surface, many of us freeze. Get quiet. Change the subject.
Not necessarily out of malice—but out of discomfort.
We’ve been discipled into emotional avoidance:
Sad? Quote a Bible verse.
Angry? “Just pray about it.”
Uncertain? “God’s in control.”
Uncomfortable? “Let’s just focus on the Gospel.”
None of those responses are inherently wrong—but they can become spiritual bypasses when we use them to avoid tension instead of engaging it.
Jesus Didn’t Bypass Discomfort
Jesus didn’t avoid messy conversations or hard truths.
He sat with the woman at the well, knowing the cultural and social discomfort it would cause.
He touched the skin of a leper.
He defended the woman caught in adultery.
He flipped tables in the temple—not out of rage, but righteous grief.
He wept.
He listened.
He called things what they were.
Jesus leaned into discomfort for the sake of love, justice, and healing.
What If the Holy Spirit Is Using Discomfort to Grow Us?
When a conversation around race, privilege, poverty, or gender makes us uneasy…
When a story challenges what we’ve always assumed to be true…
When a lived experience doesn’t match our theology…
That doesn’t mean we’re being led astray.
It might mean we’re being invited deeper.
Into empathy.
Into understanding.
Into a Gospel that isn’t just true—but transforming.
Discomfort Isn’t Dangerous—Avoidance Might Be
Spiritual maturity isn’t measured by how quickly we return to comfort.
It’s shown in how faithfully we stay present in discomfort long enough to let God move through it.
Next time you feel that inner resistance, instead of running from it, ask:
“Holy Spirit, what are you trying to show me here?”
Because sometimes the most sacred work starts in the most uncomfortable places.
And Jesus meets us there.
If this stirred something in you…
You’re not alone. These conversations aren’t easy—but they matter deeply.
Sit with it. Pray through it. And maybe… start the conversation.
You can forward this post to a friend, bring it to your small group, or reach out to me directly—I’d love to hear what resonated or what you’re wrestling with.
You don’t have to walk alone.
Hi! I’m Torrie
If you’re new here, WELCOME! I’m so glad you stopped by. You can learn more about me (Torrie), the heart behind Mixed.oloy, and the services I provide on my website. Let’s connect! I’d love to meet you and hear your story!
This was excellent writing on sitting with discomfort. Thank you!!!