Hey, how are you doing today? I want to share something I came across on YouTube recently. The video featured eight Christian women sitting across from women who had left the church or Christianity entirely. They shared and debated their perspectives on faith, God, and life.
As I watched, I couldn’t help but notice the contrast. The Christian women were graceful, understanding, and filled with love, while the others were defensive, speaking about being their own god or seeking a nameless "higher power."
Let’s be honest: in 2024, this isn’t new. We’ve heard this "higher power" language before, wrapped in new-age philosophies that offer a sense of freedom without accountability.
But my purpose here isn’t to dive into that.
What struck me most was how deeply hurt these women were not by God, but by people in the church. They allowed that hurt, frustration, and anger to drive them away from God rather than surrendering their pain to Him. And that’s why they left.
The Reality of Church Hurt
Church hurt is real. I’ve experienced it myself. There’s a unique kind of pain that comes from being wounded by those who are supposed to represent God’s love. The church is meant to be a sanctuary a place where we can let down our guard, and seek prayer, support, and growth. But the truth is, the church is made up of people.
And people, no matter how well-intentioned, are flawed.
We are all sinners, just like you and me. Yes, people should grow. Yes, they should be more mindful. Yes, they should strive to reflect Jesus in their actions. But the reality is, people make mistakes. Sometimes those mistakes are intentional, and sometimes they’re made in ignorance.
Yet, despite all of this, we must remember one critical truth: God is not those people.
God Is Not the Cause of Our Hurt
Some might ask, “If God loves me, why did He let me go through this pain? Why didn’t He stop it?” And while it’s true that God could have intervened, sometimes He allows us to walk through difficult seasons not to harm us, but to grow us.
It’s in these tough moments that we’re tested, refined, and drawn closer to Him. Through pain, we learn to forgive, to love, and to depend fully on Him. Yes, it’s hard, but it’s necessary for our spiritual growth and maturity.
Hurt Is Everywhere Not Just in Church
Before we dwell solely on "church hurt," let’s acknowledge that we experience hurt everywhere in our homes, schools, workplaces, and even among strangers. People hurt people; it’s a sad reality. And if we’re honest, we’ve hurt others too, whether intentionally or unintentionally.
Hurt is part of life. But it’s what we do with that hurt that matters.
Don’t Run from God - Run to Him
When we’re hurt, the worst thing we can do is run from God. It’s tempting to turn away, to seek healing in other places, or even to convince ourselves that we don’t need Him. But the truth is, we need God more than ever when we’re wounded.
He’s the only one who can truly heal us, mold us, and comfort us. Running from Him only deepens the wounds. Running to Him allows Him to transform our pain into purpose.
So, if you’ve been hurt by people in your church whether recently or in the past bring that hurt to God. Bring every hurt to Him. Don’t chase after empty philosophies or try to numb the pain on your own. Lay it all at His feet. Let Him heal you, comfort you, and show you the love that only He can provide.
The church is made of imperfect people, but God is perfect.
He sees you, He knows your pain, and He wants to carry it for you.
Don’t let the actions of people keep you from the presence of God.
Shalom, my friend.
Comments