Church hurt.
It’s a subject I’ve seen on social media often met with a resounding response.
“Sometimes it’s the ‘church folk’ that run people away from the church,” and other quotes have been shared frequently.
The shares in agreement and the comments of those who have been hurt sharing their experiences spread the sentiment of those who have been hurt and discouraged from giving the church another chance.
Church hurt is incredibly hard to endure and to work through, especially when it comes from those who are supposed to represent Christ to the world.
If I am being completely transparent, I have personally endured so much church hurt.
Although I continue to be very active in very many roles in the church, it would be incredibly dishonest of me to say that I have never been tempted to throw in the towel due to the hurt I have experienced within the church.
From a person who has experienced church hurt, I would like to share these words.
Stay… please stay.
Please do not forsake the gathering, His word, and fellowship.
Please do not give up on the church because people misrepresented Him.
People are flawed, broken, and we do not always get it right.
Jesus is perfect, He is whole, and He never, ever makes mistakes.
That includes us, His creation!
The more I prayed about the hurt I experienced and prayed for those who hurt me, the clearer my focus became on the fact that Jesus was not the one that hurt me.
Jesus still has a plan, a hope, and a future for me and for you!
He loves you. He wants you. You do belong in His church.
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