Part 4: Love for God’s Kingdom
A young woman sits in her chair during her break at work. She’s thinking about some of the people at her church. The congregation she attends is having some problems. The preacher taught a lesson that some of the members didn’t like…but everything he said made sense. It wasn’t an unscriptural lesson, but the people were raising a big stink over it…especially some of the women. He obviously felt it was a lesson that needed to be taught, and she felt that it was, too.
She remembers after that particular service, she was talking with a few of the ladies, and they talked to her about how horrible the lesson was, and how they were going to try and get him fired. She sat quietly and didn’t say anything, even though she knew that they were wrong. But…what could she do? She had developed some strong friendships with these older women, but she also knew that if she said anything about how she disagreed, that could cause some serious issues with their relationship.
She knew she needed to do something, though. But what?
I’m sure there are many scenarios like this that happen. It makes me so sad when I hear of problems like this occurring in a congregation. I’ve seen a few things like this first hand, as well. It’s amazing how easily Satan can slip through the cracks of a group of God’s people, and then find a way to tear them all apart.
How does this occur? It happens when people take their eyes off of God and think only of themselves. That’s the bottom line. They throw away love, and forgiveness, and become consumed with hatred.
The truth is, love has to start with us! If we want for there to be love within our congregations and for the rest of the Church, we have to make the decision that God’s will is more important. We must swallow our pride, and remember 1st Corinthians chapter 13:4-8. Make the decision to strive to do all the things described in these verses.
The girl above should do something. She, for one thing, should decide to not to get involved with the gossip, because it’s a sin (Proverbs 20:19, Romans 1:29). She should use her words to encourage others to do the right things (Ephesians 4:29). She should pray for the women in her congregation, and encourage her other friends to pray with her (James 5:16). It might also be helpful for her to go to the elders and deacons to let them know what’s going on to let them handle the situation in a responsible manner.
The world might say in these situations to be completely confrontational, and get revenge. But, really, where does that get anyone? All you’re left with is a bunch of hurt, bruised people, and anger that goes on for years and years, or even the rest of your life. Is anything really worth destroying His Church over? (Or is it even worth making your life more miserable?) We as young women are the future of the Lord’s Church. We must realize that we have a duty to be loving people (1 John 4:7). We must remember to "do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith" (Galatians 6:10). When we all decide to love, the Church will become even stronger, showing the world the love that comes from our almighty God.
A young woman sits in her chair during her break at work. She’s thinking about some of the people at her church. The congregation she attends is having some problems. The preacher taught a lesson that some of the members didn’t like…but everything he said made sense. It wasn’t an unscriptural lesson, but the people were raising a big stink over it…especially some of the women. He obviously felt it was a lesson that needed to be taught, and she felt that it was, too.
She remembers after that particular service, she was talking with a few of the ladies, and they talked to her about how horrible the lesson was, and how they were going to try and get him fired. She sat quietly and didn’t say anything, even though she knew that they were wrong. But…what could she do? She had developed some strong friendships with these older women, but she also knew that if she said anything about how she disagreed, that could cause some serious issues with their relationship.
She knew she needed to do something, though. But what?
I’m sure there are many scenarios like this that happen. It makes me so sad when I hear of problems like this occurring in a congregation. I’ve seen a few things like this first hand, as well. It’s amazing how easily Satan can slip through the cracks of a group of God’s people, and then find a way to tear them all apart.
How does this occur? It happens when people take their eyes off of God and think only of themselves. That’s the bottom line. They throw away love, and forgiveness, and become consumed with hatred.
The truth is, love has to start with us! If we want for there to be love within our congregations and for the rest of the Church, we have to make the decision that God’s will is more important. We must swallow our pride, and remember 1st Corinthians chapter 13:4-8. Make the decision to strive to do all the things described in these verses.
The girl above should do something. She, for one thing, should decide to not to get involved with the gossip, because it’s a sin (Proverbs 20:19, Romans 1:29). She should use her words to encourage others to do the right things (Ephesians 4:29). She should pray for the women in her congregation, and encourage her other friends to pray with her (James 5:16). It might also be helpful for her to go to the elders and deacons to let them know what’s going on to let them handle the situation in a responsible manner.
The world might say in these situations to be completely confrontational, and get revenge. But, really, where does that get anyone? All you’re left with is a bunch of hurt, bruised people, and anger that goes on for years and years, or even the rest of your life. Is anything really worth destroying His Church over? (Or is it even worth making your life more miserable?) We as young women are the future of the Lord’s Church. We must realize that we have a duty to be loving people (1 John 4:7). We must remember to "do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith" (Galatians 6:10). When we all decide to love, the Church will become even stronger, showing the world the love that comes from our almighty God.
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