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Monday, April 12, 2010

Hurt By The Church

Have you ever been hurt by the Church? If so, you are not alone. Throughout my life, I've met many people who have been hurt in a church setting. I've been hurt before. Many times. Yes, even as a Pastor! The truth is that there's a pretty good chance that you will be offended or hurt in some way at some point at your church. Why? Churches are filled with imperfect people (BTW, you are one of them, too!).  

While there are some who are able to work through the hurt, others leave altogether. In fact, a recent study by George Barna revealed that nearly 4 out of 10 unchurched Americans currently avoid going to church because of negative experiences they once had. You can read the full article by clicking here.

My heart was grieved when I read this statistic. It's amazing to think that so many have distanced themselves and are missing out on the benefits of being a part of a spiritual community because of their bad experiences. Let's face it. It's not just the people who have left! There are plenty of people within the church who have been hurt as well.

What is the solution to this problem plaguing the Church? How does a person who has been hurt find the healing they need? I believe that it begins with forgiveness. Forgiveness sets us free and helps us to continue to love those who may not love us. This may be something you have to do again and again. I've had to. Someone once told me that you know that you've forgiven someone when you can sincerely pray blessings on that person's life. Wow!

So, the next time you get poked by one of the porcupines sitting or serving with you at your church, remember this...God's love for you is greater than any hurt you have. Forgive. Don't let bitterness ruin your life!

2 comments:

Unknown said...

Well put. Have been therre and it is not easy to forgive. Takes time. But giving up on the church because of a bad experience really shows how small God seeme to you.

But I agree, as you forgive (daily for a while) your concept of God grows back into a who He really is and your faith in Him grows along with it, as well.

Unknown said...

I agree, forgivness is the key. When my family went through it reacently, it took a while (almost a year) to get to the point of praying blessings on the offender. But it does come.

But, i must say, my concept of God and my faith in Him has grown from going through the hurt amd forgiveness, as He has shown Himself Faithful during it.