She sat there among a congregation of older women. It was just few weeks after she returned to church and this time around she has decided to do it the right way. The weekly bible study began and the only things she gained at the end were all words of condemnation and new adjectives at castigating being a single mother and having a baby out of wedlock. Even though nobody mentioned her name, she knew they were all talking about her. Everyone talked and debated about it, she was the only one mute all through. At last one of the women said well, at least having a baby out of wedlock is better than abortion and just then everyone kept quiet, like they did when Christ asked which one of you has not committed a sin before. She left feeling dejected all over again, she thought God had forgiven her, she was already getting over this loss of self worth and trying to get to a place of justification, but now she felt she shouldn't have attended that meeting. At least, it wouldn't make her feel bad again about the memories of the last 3 years.
I understand the concept of standard in the church. I value and embrace laying a foundation for members to follow, but what happens when people fall? Are we God enough to condemn them and make them feel bad about themselves? Do we owe God an exemplary life of love towards other people to make them feel accepted? If we as Christians cannot love the church and the people of the world, how can they believe that God loves them and accepts them just the way they are?
Luke 10:27 He answered: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"
What do you think about standards in the church that condemns having a baby out of wedlock or getting married after defiling the bed, the consequence being that the church will not conduct such naming or wedding ceremony? These are the sins with physical manifestations, what about the ones we do not see? I believe God does not place our sins in order of its gravity. John 8 :7 'Let he who is without sin cast the first stone' Standards are good, for He did not come to abolish the law but to fulfill them, but how do we show love and not drive people away by laying down laws that make them feel refused. For if the people they see cannot accept them, how can they feel justified by God who they cannot see?
I really appreciate everyone's contribution. Thanks and have a blessed week.
hi kenny,
ReplyDeletei believe every christian should have their own personal mirrors, which will help us see a reflection of our very own self (how imperfect we all are) before we start condemning others for their actions. there is nothing wrong in saying the truth in love and helping your fellow brethen in whatever area they need help but slandering them is just not God's way of showing love.
Matt 7:2 - 'For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged'
i hope my point is crystal clear.
thanks for sharing and have an amazing week
Hey Rainyjoy.
ReplyDeleteI feel you. Talking about how imperfect we are, 'for all have sinned and come short of His glory' Slander is a dangerous act, we never know how people connect with their God in the quiet of their heart. Who is man to judge? If most people were in the shoes of others, they would commit more treacherous acts, so why not always put ourselves in the shoes of others.
I really appreciate your contribution. It is highly enlightening
I think sometimes that Church standards are just that, the doctrines of men and I remmber that Paul warned against conforming to such when it negates the word of God and the teachings of Christ. In this matter, the law of love which God has laid in our heart trumps the law of letter, which in most ways our savior had fulfilled by dying on the cross.
ReplyDeleteHowever, remember that the church is still made up of humans who are fallible, so it could be individual prejudices coming up rather than what the particular church practices. Our role then is like the woman that pointed out the error of condemning those that God had already forgiven.
Hope that helps.
Hmm. I'm glad I have an echo on the fact that church standards are doctrines of men. I have always thought of it like that too. The funny thing is that most people who slander have had a disgusting past them self and in fact they preach with their lifestyle and intercede on behalf of the people they condemn, such condemnation would not need to happen in the first place because an exemplary lifestyle through love and intercession is enough to lead people through the right path. God help the church. I really loved your contribution Myne. Thanks for visiting. You are a blessing
ReplyDeleteSince the times of Jesus (and even before that), people have always wanted to point out the wrong-doings of others while leaving their own untouched. That's why they wanted to stone the woman who committed adultery in the bible. Nevertheless, if we look deeply into the lives of these accusers, they probably have even more treacherous sins...secret sins.
ReplyDeleteI'm totally against 'church people' looking down on others. We've all fall short of the glory of God in one way or the other (if not in abortion, then in some other way). So what gives us the right to speak against someone else?
The bible says, "Love overcomes." That sums it up. Love surpasses evil deeds. If a person has come to God for forgiveness, His love will cover her sins. And that's all there is to it.
Nice reflective post, Kennis :)
I'm in total support of your view Jaycee. Thanks so much for expatiating that love overcomes all evil deeds. And it's so true too that people who judge the most have the most treacherous sins, but still we are not God enough to judge anyone. Thank God for the love He has shown us and the spirit to love and accept others irrespective of who they have been.
ReplyDeleteKennis: checking out your blog now that I have right URL. Thanks for getting back to me. i see Jaycee is one of your commenters. She is a cool lady. I wrote this blog before I read this. It states how I feel.
ReplyDeletehttp://billgrandi.ovcf.org/wordpress/?p=5435 Good thoughts btw.
Thanks for visiting. And I just read " Taste the Race" very similar to how I feel. and Oh yeah Jaycee is very cool
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