COLUMN - Try again!
I often identify my ministry with the title, “SOMEONE CARES!” It has been my desire to extend the great love of God to every individual. I want you to know that “God does care for you” and so do we. Sometimes, God seems to lay particular needs upon my heart and I try to share them with you. Such is the nature of this article.
Once upon a time there was an individual who was doing very well in life. One day a friendly neighbor brought him some food. It looked good and the smell was very inviting. However, through that meal, the man obtained food poisoning, which made him very ill. The man became bitter and resentful that someone would treat him with such malice and deceit as to feed him bad food. He determined that never again would he have anything to do with his neighbor. In fact, he decided that never again would he be treated like that and he quit eating all together. Needless to say, he withered away to nothing, not because of bad food, but because of his own bitterness and resentment. Just think of the wonderful meals he missed, the nutrition his body was denied and the joy he could have had with friends and family around the table.
I know this is only a make believe story but my heart has been burdened for a large group of people, who at one time went to church and knew the experiences of worshipping God and fellowshipping with people. However, through a church problem or church people, they have been hurt with a terrible wound. Permit me to talk to you personally.
Like the man in the illustration, you have decided to protect yourself from being hurt again and you have quit church altogether. My heart goes out to you because there are some very difficult experiences in life and you cannot face them alone.
After being a pastor for 30 years, I know there have been individuals that I have offended or failed. To every one of them, I extend my humblest apologies. To the best of my ability I have tried to make amends and ask them to forgive me as Christ has forgiven me.
If there is someone in your life who has wounded you so severely that it is keeping you from going to church or trusting God or people again, then consider the above illustration.
I will also say that often people do not realize the wounds that come to those who are in the ministry. Your pastor needs your prayers and understanding because he too has been wounded, many times, and often by people who intended the hurt. Wounds are what identify us with Christ. Those wounds are also the measure of a pastor’s love for his people. If you have been wounded, then forgive them and get back to church as God intends you to do (Heb. 10:25).
On behalf of loving churches, we invite you to come back. There will be people there to accept you and love you. They will also help you with the needs in your life. If you cannot return to the church you left, then find one that preaches the whole truth of God’s Word and allow them to help you regain your place in God’s family.
Allow your wounds to make you more like Christ and go on to spiritual maturity. “Great peace have they which love Thy law and nothing shall offend them” (Psalm 119:165). Remember, God loves you and so do we. See you in church Sunday!
The Rev. Dale Byers is a retired Baptist pastor living in Holland. Contact him at someonecares@surfbest.net.
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