When the Church Disappoints
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12 (NIV)
A few weeks ago, I attended the launch of a Connect Group. Ten of the twelve people who attended talked about the loneliness they felt in the Christian space, how they’ve been disappointed by “the church” and fellow believers. They expressed a desire to meet people with whom they could forge relationships that they hoped would help alleviate their loneliness. That would help them connect with others who love the Lord and want to deepen their relationship with Him. That would help them feel part of a church family. They were disappointed because the church space felt hostile and exclusive, causing a disconnect. Hearing some of their stories saddened me.
Believers in Christ are “the church.” We are to represent Jesus whether we are fellowshipping with fellow believers, at work, in the supermarket, in traffic or dropping the kids off at school. We are to bear the mark of Christ. When we bear the mark of Christ, we love as Christ loves us.
‘A new command I give you: love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.’ John 13:34-35 (NIV)
Jesus didn’t say, “When you feel like it, when the situation is ideal, when you have time, then love one another. He commanded us to love one another. This should be non-negotiable in our walk with the Lord, and we ought to be sensitive to Holy Spirit concerning this. Our love for others can express itself in many ways – kindness, gratitude, patience, compassion, empathy, humility, esteeming others better than ourselves (Romans 12:10).
Broken People
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfil the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2 (NIV)
We live in a broken world with broken people. Broken people are also found in the pews. And we engage with them each Sunday. Some of us will find it difficult to linger long in their company because our carnal instincts lean toward self-preservation. We don’t want to complicate our lives with other people's struggles. But what if God wants to use us to be there for them? To put a compassionate arm around them. Pray for them.
Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:13 (NIV)
For those of us who have borne the brunt of unkindness, cold-heartedness and even hostility from fellow believers, let us ask God to forgive them. Let us pray for them. Let us give our weary hearts, our disappointment and bitterness to Jesus so they don’t take root, and we don't become discouraged. Let us ask God to show us how to navigate our Christian landscape with His love so we can make it a better place for ourselves and our fellow believers. Divisiveness in the church is a go-to tool Satan uses. Let us not fall prey to his schemes.
Disappointments are inevitable; discouragement is a choice. Charles Stanley
Reflection:
Will you reflect Jesus’ love for others, even in your disappointment?
Prayer:
Lord, You see my disappointment with my brothers and sisters in Christ. Help me to forgive them and show them Your love. Lead me by Your Holy Spirit when I engage with those who are broken. Show me how to encourage and pray for them. In Jesus’ name, amen.
