Psalm 26:8
8 O Lord, I love the habitation of your house and the place where your glory dwells.
It has become popular to speak poorly of the Church. It is true that many people have been hurt by people in the Church. There are countless stories of abuse, hurt, and pain caused by people who were supposed to represent the Lord and be a “safe place,” but instead they preyed upon trusting people and destroyed lives.
If you have been hurt by someone in the Church and you have the scars to prove it, please hear and receive these words from me, “I am so sorry! It should have never happened to you. You didn’t do anything wrong. Please forgive us!”
I ask your forgiveness because my heart’s desire is to see you return to the house of the Lord. Jesus never hurt you, people have. I am praying right now that you will fall in love with the Lord's house and experience His glory in the Church again.
The Church is the Bride of Christ. It is there I believe you can find a place of healing and true restoration. Fall in love with Jesus all over again and do not let the despicable failures of fallible people keep you away from a place of worship and adoration for the God of all creation. There is joy to be found in the house of the Lord and I believe that joy is available to you.
I personally know what church hurt feels like and the deep pain that can be caused by those who should “know better.” I also know that I have been in church leadership for over 20 years, which means some of my decisions or actions have probably caused hurt in people...that saddens and humbles me.
But let me give you some hope, I love being in the house of the Lord. It is truly the place where His glory dwells. I worship Him there. I praise Him there. I shed tears, I cry out to Him, and I receive love from my brothers and sisters in Christ.
Please don’t let Church hurts sour you from ever darkening the doors of the Lord’s house again. Return to the place where His glory dwells and allow God the space to begin a healing work in your life.
Dear Jesus, why do we do such a poor job of representing you? Please bring healing and restoration to those who have been hurt but need to return to worship in Your house, Amen
Josh Huisman is the senior pastor of New Hope Community Church in Brentwood, TN.
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