Do you ever think you will get so irritated that you’ll leave the church altogether? We all know people like that right?
I know someone that was a minister and now doesn’t go to church, because he feels so hurt by something someone said, somewhere, sometime. I met three people doorknocking last week who gave similar stories. One boy said his Scripture teacher didn’t do much to help his faith (not one of ours. I hasten to add!). What can we do to prevent this happening? There are many people who believe in Jesus but have renounced church. They have moved right away, and it is worrying.
Often people use this sort of talk as an excuse to not change. There are deeper things going on. I have said in return to someone feeling pitiful and righteous – “do you still go to the doctor? There are some dodgy doctors around!”. Or I could faithfully say, “God wants you to go for the sake of others, and how we feel shouldn’t be our master”.
We need to be so careful how we treat others- see Matt 18:6!
But what about preventing this sort of reaction? How can we be protected from what is not an uncommon story. I am absolutely certain that the answer is in understanding the gospel. We need to constantly tell ourselves about Christ. Understanding the rejection Christ suffered for us. Appreciating the immense sacrifice Jesus endured. Hearing his pain, and his desires for us. If that means we can love our enemies, surely we can love those who irritate us.
(Andrew)

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