If you’ve been part of a church, you have probably suffered a ‘church hurt’—or know someone who has. It’s the kind of hurt you don’t expect at all; loving Christians hurting (purposefully or not) other brothers and sisters in Christ. But it happens, and it happens all too often.
While on a mission trip, a young woman shared with me that at one point in her life she was afraid of going back to church because she would be ridiculed and mistreated —lo and behold, she was! She was mistreated by the ones she thought would take her in, journey with her, and love her until she was made whole again. Church hurt is real and the fear of it is so real.
Here is her testimony:
Before Christ, I used to live a life that was very displeasing. No party would miss me; I would go to a party every Saturday night, then go to church Sunday morning and lead praise in worship. Drinking was fun for me, but it always got to a point of being drunk—and then I would turn around and do things that the Bible warns us about.
Many may ask, “How is it that no one knew of the lifestyle you were living,” but I’m used to that question by now. You see, there were many times that I wanted to share what was happening with me, but at the time I feared being talked about behind my back. At the time, I trusted no one, because I had friends with similar experiences like mine; they shared what was happening with them, and their story ended up being the church’s hot topic.
Here’s the beautiful thing though: the same church that hurt me is the same church that God used to heal me. I was deeply hurt for a good while, but the Lord pursued me with His love through the church. My conclusion is this: We shouldn’t be surprised by hurt and pain in the church because everyone in the church is still sinful. And God’s love? It’s a love that’s able to heal the deepest of hurts and set any captive free. The love of God helped me to learn, grow, and forgive. If you’ve experienced church hurt and still have not healed from the pain, open your heart to the Father’s love.
Sure, “opening up your heart” is easier said than done, but it’s possible. There is no force more powerful than the heavenly Father has for you, his beloved. His love can move mountains, stop the roaring seas, heal your broken heart, and transform your life.
To do: Meditate on the depth of God’s love for you.
“In this, the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” 1 John 4:9-10
Angelisa is a Jesus enthusiast, Worship leader & Christian youth leader. She considers herself to be the old-fashioned type of girl who loves spicy food and belly bottom laughter. Among her passions are singing, working with children, and encouraging others.