We’ve all been there. We can all relate, whether we are the Pastor, the elder, the person on the worship team, or the broken-hearted person in the pew. We can even relate if we are the person in the nursery or the custodian who stays behind to do the straightening and lock-up. There are days, weeks, months, or seasons when church is hard. There was a time when church was especially hard for me, and it took a long while before change came. In the weeks, months and years after my husband abandoned me, church suddenly became hard ... excruciatingly hard.
What have I learned from my experience? I have learned that differing circumstances can make church hard. I have learned that once we come through our own “dark night of the soul,” we become more aware of the hurting people around us. We see things more clearly, and hopefully, by God’s grace, we are more in tune with the Spirit’s promptings to reach out to others who are finding church so hard. When considering how to come alongside someone with a word or smile of encouragement, it’s good to focus on key Scripture verses that list the “one another’s.”
- This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. John 15: 12
- Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Romans 12:10
- Therefore, welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. Romans 15:7
- Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. 2 Cor. 13:11
- Bear one another's burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2
- With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love. Eph. 4:2
- And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you. 1 Thess. 3:12
Take a moment to read the following thoughts by Jacob Waldron, and as we read, may God reveal to us how we can do our part to make church a whole lot easier, even for just one. Each “one another” matters to God, and what matters to God should matter to the family of God! ~ Susan Page
Church is hard
Church is hard for the person walking through the doors, afraid of judgment.
Church is hard for the pastor’s family, under the microscope of the entire body.
Church is hard for the prodigal soul returning home, broken and battered by the world.
Church is hard for the girl who looks like she has it all together but doesn’t.
Church is hard for the couple who fought the entire ride to service.
Church is hard for the single mom, surrounded by couples holding hands, seemingly perfect families.
Church is hard for the widow and the widower with no invitation to lunch after service.
Church is hard for the deacon with an estranged child.
Church is hard for the person singing worship songs, overwhelmed by the weight of the lyrics.
Church is hard for the man insecure in his role as a leader.
Church is hard for the wife who longs to be led by a righteous man.
Church is hard for the nursery volunteer who desperately longs for a baby to love.
Church is hard for the single woman and single man, praying God brings them a mate.
Church is hard for the teenage girl, wearing a scarlet letter, ashamed of her mistakes.
Church is hard for the sinners.
Church is hard for me.
It’s hard because on the outside, it all looks shiny and perfect. Sunday best in behavior and dress.
However, underneath those layers, you find a body of imperfect people, carnal souls, selfish motives.
But here is the beauty of Church —
Church isn’t a building, mentality, or expectation.
Church is a body.
Church is a group of sinners, saved by grace, living in fellowship as saints.
Church is a body of believers bound as brothers and sisters by an eternal love.
Church is a holy ground where sinners stand as equals before the Throne of Grace.
Church is a refuge for broken hearts and a training ground for mighty warriors.
Church is a converging of confrontation and invitation. Where sin is confronted, and hearts are invited to seek restoration.
Church is a lesson in faith and trust.
Church is a bearer of burdens and a giver of hope.
Church is a family. A family coming together, setting aside differences, forgetting past mistakes, rejoicing in the smallest of victories.
Church, the body, and the circle of sinners-turned-saints, is where He resides, and if we ask, He is faithful to come.
So even on the hard days at church —
The days when I am at odds with a friend.
When I’ve fought with my spouse because we’re late once again.
When I’ve walked in bearing burdens heavier than my heart can handle yet masking the pain with a smile on my face.
When I’ve worn a scarlet letter, under the microscope.
When I’ve longed for a baby to hold or fought tears as the lyrics were sung.
When I’ve walked back in, afraid and broken, after walking away.
I’ll remember, He has never failed to meet me there.
~Jacob Waldron~
Susan Page is the daughter of the King, His beloved child, wonderfully forgiven and blessed! Susan longs to age gracefully, becoming more like Jesus as she seeks the hidden treasures revealed to her through Scripture, literature, the arts, humankind, and nature.