Church Hurt

 Scripture:

“It is not an enemy who taunts me— I could bear that. It is not my foes who so arrogantly insult me— I could have hidden from them. Instead, it is you—my equal, my companion and close friend.”  ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭55‬:‭12‬-‭13‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

Here the Psalmist hits on something deep that is very real in the lives of believers. He describes being taunted and insulted by those who were his companions and close friends. The next verse actually says it was those he walked to the house of God with. He says he could bear it if an enemy did these things to him, but because it was someone from church, it hurt more deeply.

Application:

Church hurt takes out more believers than any other thing. It seems to hurt more because it is people your worshiped God with and who you spent valuable time with. When we are insulted by God’s people and our friends, it hurts deeply. Our goal must be to live an unoffendable life. We can’t expect more from people because we go to church with them. We need to extend the grace of God in every situation. Church hurt is real and we must prepare for it by walking in step with the Spirit and trusting God completely. Our self-worth must come from Him and not those around us.

Prayer:

Father, You are incredible! Thank You for making Your Word so real. It truly is the people we worship with that cause us the greatest pain. Help me to know how to deal with every situation that arises. Show me how to respond properly and then trust You with every relationship. Lead me Holy Spirit and I will follow.

Yours Forever,

Jeff