Last week’s devotional focused on the importance of church and recognizing that many Christians struggle with going to church.
Often one of the reasons sited is due to “church hurts”. Relationship issues by the people of the church. The situation hurts too much or seems unsolvable so the victim party leaves that particular church.
The problem is, many people who leave a church due to ‘church hurt’ then don’t find a new church. The idea of finding a different church becomes daunting. And the risk of being hurt again is too great.
Friends, how can we let that happen?
Our brothers and sister’s souls are at stake. Let us not allow petty arguments and differing opinions get in the way of spiritual growth and maturity.
Yes, we are called to hold each other accountable but this is to be done with their best interest in mind. Not out of our own pride and sense of piousness.
Church discipline is to be with the focus of keeping God’s truth. And truth is to be shared gently and in love.
This is certainly a difficult task because we are not to allow our brothers and sisters to be lead astray by their sins. But we need to meet them where they are first so that we don’t turn them away completely.
Take the time to read the below bible scriptures and truly focus on what they are saying to you. Some passages may touch you differently than others. Writing down the verses in your own hand is helpful for some individuals. Possibly looking up the verses in your own bible may be beneficial. I use a NIV bible translation. Or reading them over and over to commit to memory. Whatever method works best for you to experience God’s words and feel closer to Him.
Colossians 3:16
Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.
Galatians 6:1
Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.
James 5:19-20
My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.
2 Corinthians 2:7-8
Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love for him.
Matthew 18:15-18
“If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector. “Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.
Revelations 2:2
I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false.
I pray that this post helps you to understand the importance of holding your brothers and sister’s in Christ accountable for their actions but doing so in love and truth.
For further help on the topic read loving others, positive example, and Christ-like.
God bless!
Melissa
“Yes, we are called to hold each other accountable but this is to be done with their best interest in mind. Not out of our own pride and sense of piousness.”
This! When we truly love our brothers and sisters in Christ, we will do exactly this.
Yes, church hurt takes place when the accountability comes from a place other than love. Thank you for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. God bless!
This is such a touchy subject. Unless everyone involved is willing to keep their eyes on Jesus there is rarely a good outcome. It’s definitely something we should approach through prayer.
Prayer is always the best course of action! And through prayer there are definitely times that God calls us to reach out to others in love and kindness. Thank you for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. God bless!
My pastor always says “church isn’t a country club.” We can’t be selfish about what we want, but rather need to find out what others’ want and what speaks to their faith.
Thank you for sharing this!
I think I would love your pastor! Selfishness eats away at so much of our life and relationships if we don’t actively pray and push against it. Thank you for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. God bless!
Yes, we are called to be in community and not neglect meeting with one another. Our lives can be messy and we as sinners can hurt one another. But, it’s not about us. We can’t recoil from the mess, but need to press into it. We reflect Jesus to others as we live together in harmony, admonishing and loving each other well.
Such great points Katie! We are so messy but Jesus loves us through our messes and we are called to do the same for the people around us. Thank you for reading and sharing your insights! God bless!
I am so in agreement with this. We should always have restoration as our heart motive. I would be heartbroken if I ever led someone astray because I would feel like I broke Jesus’ heart first and foremost! Thank you for your tender and honest post! xo Donna
Yes, I wish more people thought of the potential lasting negative ramifications of confronting people without love in their heart. Thank you for your kind words and for sharing your thoughts! God bless!
As a young believer I was one of those people who left the church and wanted nothing to do with it. God brought me back and brought forgiveness to my heart. And while we were missionaries we were able to introduce the girls who came to live with us from prison to our church family.
I like what you said about doing things out of love. I always caution people to talk with their elders or pastors before attempting to bring church discipline to other members of the church as that should fall to the leaders. Yes by all means we should each love and encourage one another to do what is right according to the Bible but in my experience and the what we experienced with our girls, most of the “discipline” and therefore church hurt that occurred were from well meaning Christians who didn’t know the whole situation and took it upon themselves to discipline myself or our girls.
I’m so glad that you listened to God when He lead you back to the church! Yes, we first need to seek God’s counsel and then leaders of the church. We also need to ensure that we are assuming situations. Thank you for reading and taking the time to share your thoughts and insights. God bless!
“Yes, we are called to hold each other accountable but this is to be done with their best interest in mind. Not out of our own pride and sense of piousness.”
So true. We really do have to check our own motives sometimes. Thanks for writing. God bless!
It can be easy to do something because we think it is ‘right’ but we need to pray for God’s guidance and timing. Thank you for stopping by and commenting. God bless!