I heard a minister in the Midwest share with his congregation that before he and his wife started their church several years ago they prayed it would be a place where people who have messed up in life can come for refuge--a place where they can start all over again without being judged. That is a wonderful, prayer, straight from the heart of God!
Unfortunately, there are many "walking wounded" in the church today---those who live lives of quiet desperation and shame. They've been criticized and maybe even ostracized by their own, the people of God, because of past failures. They are victims of friendly fire.
If we think for a moment, don't we, the critics, have our own set of failures, most of which the public is just unaware of? Think about how it would impact our lives if our dirty laundry was aired! It might make us a little less inclined to fire on our own when they are down.We must realize who our real enemy is-----satan, whose only purpose is to steal, kill and destroy. He does so in the church by pitting us against each other so we can destroy ourselves.
If we would recognize our enemy, take authority over him and demonstrate the unconditional love of God toward our hurting brothers and sisters, it might cause unbelievers see that we really are different, ultimately draw them to Christ and give hope to a dying world.
Let us not kill our wounded, but help them to restore and rebuild their lives.
Scripture Links: Ephesians 4:31-32; Proverbs 8:5-8; Proverbs 10:12; John 10:10
To Receive Jesus as Lord ad Savior:(Sinner's Prayer) Dear God, I am a sinner. I need a savior. I need Jesus. I believe Jesus died for my sins and rose on the third day. I ask Jesus now to come into my heart and to become Lord over my life. Satan has no more power over me. I say with my mouth that Jesus is Lord. Father, help me to live for you, and thank you for saving me. John 3:16.
To Rededicate Your Life to the Lord (after falling away):Dear Heavenly Father: I confess to you that I have sinned. You said if I confess my sin you are faithful and just to forgive me and to cleanse me from all unrighteousness. I turn away from sin and turn to you, and I ask you to forgive me. I forgive myself also. Father, thank you for forgiving me, remembering my sin no more and allowing me to have right standing with you again. In Jesus' name, AMEN.
