“In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 7:12 NASB)
A couple of Saturdays ago, a single, working mother, striving to raise her children, putting forth a dedicated effort to provide for them, sacrificing to ensure they receive a good education, but facing the challenge to feed them, went to a church who had advertised a drive-thru food giveaway, open to all. After waiting in a line of cars, she finally gets to the food distribution table. Instead of being given any food, she was asked if she had a W-2. Of course, she did not. Why should she expect to have brought one? Following that inquiry, she was interrogated about family size, income, etc. I need to point out that her three teenage children were in the car with her.
Back to the happening. After the series of screening questions, she was told that she could not receive any food. Church hurt happened! It really happened! She cried, and the tears were flowing down her face for more than a moment. One of the children, a sophomore in high school, said something to the effect that “Church folks are phony! They are a bunch of hypocrites.” The mother, composing herself, gave a couple examples of Christians who did not fit his assessment. The son agreed, but he was not totally steered from his assessment. Church hurt had taken place.
The bible references above and below are tips that will keep you from causing church hurt. There are more scriptural passages to help, so search some. Among them, look at how Jesus met the needs of people who might have been rich and powerful. Furthermore, I encourage you to read on this subject more. And if you have experienced church hurt, look for ways to overcome church hurt.
Saint, let’s be on our good behavior today! No change that, my friend. Saint, let’s be on our Christ-like behavior today. That’s better! For you see, somebody’s eternal destiny may be decided by your actions. Now, go enjoy worship! Be blessed!
“Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous, it does not brag, and it is not proud.Love is not rude, it is not selfish, and it cannot be made angry easily. Love does not remember wrongs done against it. Love is never happy when others do wrong, but it is always happy with the truth. Love never gives up on people. It never stops trusting, never loses hope, and never quits.” (I Corinthians 13:4-7 Easy-to-Read Version)
Committed to the climb,
Mark L. King