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Has a Family Member Ever Hurt Your Feelings?

Have you gotten into an argument with a loved one? If so, I hope you were able to work it out, apologize, and forgive them. Healthy families don’t fall apart over small offenses.

The Church is meant to function like a family and be a refuge for the weak. The church family is being transformed just like you are, by the power of the Holy Spirit. As humans, we are not perfect!

No matter how far along we are on the journey of following Christ, we sometimes choose to act selfishly. You’ll make mistakes in church, and others will make mistakes that affect you.

Colossians 3:13 says this:

"Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others."

The people who make up the Church are not perfect. They’re just regular people on the path of pursuing God, and trying to grow along the way, just like you.

When disagreements and conflict arise, remember how much you’ve been forgiven. You are not made new by what you do but because of Jesus’ righteous blood. You can practice forgiving others as God generously forgives you. Relationships aren’t easy, but sharing life together in the body of Christ—the Church—brings deep fulfillment!

I want to add a very important note:

If you’re in an abusive relationship of any kind, forgiving the person who has harmed you does not mean that you should continue to put yourself in situations where abuse continues to occur. You can ask for God’s wisdom to set healthy boundaries as well as seek help from trusted friends and professionals.

Can I pray for you?

Lord, I lift up my friend right now. Help them find just the right church, and give them patience, confidence, and discernment as they seek to live in the community of the body of Christ. I pray that You would provide just the right church at just the right time. In Jesus’ name. Amen.