Last week we discussed being offended and how that can put a person in a prison--a prison in which that person alone holds the key to get out. Today we will address a topic that cuts deeper. We will discuss actually being wounded or hurt. And how those wounds are especially painful when they come from a place that is supposed to be loving and safe: the Church. This goes beyond just being offended to actually being wounded. Have you ever been wounded by Christians or a body of believers? You may want to go back and listen to the teaching from 11/7 and/or work through this Bible study with the Lord. There is a difference between being offended and being wounded.
Many people have thrown relationships with faith communities and even their relationship with Jesus Christ out the door because of pain inflicted by Christians or a body of believers. Sometimes these are very unintentional wounds but even so, it still cuts deep. It is tempting to throw in the towel and give up.
Pastor Adam was very vulnerable, humble and honest during this teaching. Some of the main points he stressed that will be fleshed out in this week's Bible study follow. These can be very tender places and are not black & white. They require time in prayer and in the presence of the Great Physician who can heal ALL wounds: 1) Distinguish between taking offense and being wounded; 2) Be confident the Lord will deal with people who have hurt you; 3) Don't confuse God's people with God; 4) Don't give up on all people because of some people; 5) Don't let pain steal your purpose.
INVITATION: There have been church hurts throughout history. It is nothing unique to our day and time. As painful as it is, it is not unique to you and you are not alone. Are you ready to bring your wounds and hurts into the light of The Great Physician and ask for healing?
MONDAY: Acts 6:1 & I Cor. 3:3-4: There was jealousy and quarreling even in the early church. They were humans. Churches today are made up of humans. Humans are fallen creatures. Do you think it's possible even YOU have hurt someone within a faith community? If it was unintentional, you may not even know about it. Are you willing to consider this possibility and the ramifications of it?
TUESDAY: James 4:1-2: Fights and quarrels come from "your desires that battle within you." The same things can happen within a faith community. When is the last time you have wanted something but didn't get it? How did you respond? Can you think of a time that has happened to you within a faith community? How did you react to others around you?
WEDNESDAY: 2 Tim. 4:9-10: When you leave the body of faith, it becomes a less healthy faith community. There is a piece missing - and it is YOU. You bring something into this world, and into the Body of Christ that was planned by God since the beginning of time. You have purpose and meaning. If you remove yourself from this Body because of some hurt, it is detrimental to the entire Body of Christ.
THURSDAY: 2 Tim. 4:14 & Romans 12:19: If you have been hurt by the church, it is okay to acknowledge that hurt. Consider it a huge red flag if you are in a faith community where you cannot speak about such a hurt or share such a hurt. Adam made a point of saying that social media is NOT the correct outlet, but go to a friend, a mentor, a Spiritual Director, or a counselor. Did you know Rockhills has a special tab on our website right now for "safe" and even anonymous interaction during this series on struggles? Adam made it clear if Rockhills has hurt you - or if HE (Adam) has hurt you (or anyone else), we want to be open and honest and will help you work through your wounds. Do you have a safe place in your life to express hurts and wounds? If not, why not? Whether a church hurt or any other type of hurt, it is healthy self-care and soul care to have an "outlet" for such things. Jesus is our ultimate healer and also who will ultimately "repay" the offense (per this verse), but sometimes talking and sharing with someone over coffee is healthy and helps us move forward out of our wounding and hurt. Can you trust God with your church hurt and not try to take revenge yourself? Wanting to hurt back is tempting but must be resisted. Who can you speak with about all this as opposed to lashing out in any inappropriate (and sinful) ways?
FRIDAY: 2 Tim. 4:17-18: The Lord will deliver you from "every evil attack and will bring you safely to his heavenly kingdom." Don't give up on all people because of SOME people, and don't let pain and hurt steal your purpose. You are valued and needed within the Body of Christ! Having wounded warriors laying by the battlefield and not being effective is exactly the way Satan would script things. He TRIES to keep you laying on the battlefield. Do not let the festering of your church hurts keep you from being all God intends.
SATURDAY: Col. 3:13: The Church is a work in progress. Rockhills is a work in progress. Believers are all on a journey of being further and further sanctified. Can you forgive as God has forgiven you?