Tracee, thank you for commenting. First, I am so sorry for your experience with the “church.” Sadly too many churches today would be unrecognizable to the early church of the book o Acts. In fact, the situations you describe are exactly what Paul addressed in the letter to the church at Corinth. (see 1 Corinthians) It dishonors our Lord when we judge and point and hurt one another. So again, I am so sorry for your experience.

I would encourage you to guard your heart from bitterness. I am not implying that you are bitter, but if that would have happened to me I would be tempted to be bitter. The enemy loves bitterness because it steals joy and peace from us. So be on guard and dare to forgive.

I would also encourage you to pray together with your husband about finding other believers to walk this crazy life with. We as believers need one another to spur us on in the faith. Going to an actual church isn’t important, but keeping fellowship with other believers is vital.

Bless you, sister. You are precious and loved by our great God.

While we were waiting to adopt our daughter, I took a job in a local Methodist church and came to the realization that “church” is just a business. Behind the scenes is ugly and I could not believe how unchristian these people were! I was the victim of sexual harassment and when I made it known, other women in the office spoke up that the associate pastor had done the same to them. I left the job. I didn’t really need to work…just wanted something to pass the time while we waited on our referral from China and to support my spending habit on clothes for our baby girl.

Long story short. I refuse to attend the church we left and my husband refuses to attend anywhere else. Our daughter is now 10 and has never set foot in a church. We are good and moral people. We make mistakes and we admit them and we fix where we screw up.

Tracee

I attend Celebrate Recovery at my church as well. As soon as I read Lara’s post my mind went instantly to CR and how accepted I feel to remove the mask and share my sin. Praying for more churches to reach out and be healing churches who help people to speak honestly about their sin. The only way to be freed from it is to first move out of the denial of it. Blessings!

That’s beautiful, Tanya. Really. That’s the point. Fellow brothers and sisters helping to carry the burden. Love.

Thanks for even being real here, Sara. Freedom comes with authenticity. I’m encouraged to hear you found a group of believers that embraces honest living and loving! Bless you, friend.

Wow. The power of the gospel. Love that, Jessica. (And you touched on something that’s so important to remember; no church filled with human people will ever be perfect.) Praying His blessings on your blog and writing!

Oh girl, you really touched on something so of which to be so cautious. We want to be open and real…as He leads. I think it is vital that we first go to our God with all our mess. Then allow Him to mend through the power of His Spirit and the support of those with whom He leads us to share our personal lives. Bless you in your ministry, friend.

Yes! When we are real God works Mightily! You have a powerful message, my friend. Praying that He enlarges your influence for His great glory.

Just beautiful, Karan. Thank you so much for sharing.