Intro/Outro Music - Waymaker by Leeland
Introduction:
Hello everyone, and welcome to our 7th episode of our podcast here on Christ Talk Canada. On this episode we were supposed to talk about Christian Marriage. However, due to a different matter that came up among a conversation I had with some different people, Today’s Podcast is on a different topic altogether and so, I’ll be talking about a subject that many of us have experienced at some point in our lives, and that subject is when the church, its leaders, and members hurt us. We'll also be discussing how not to blame God for human mistakes and how to let God heal us and move on. We will also be talking about the subject of Tithings, Offerings to the church and weather its actually required as a Christian to always give. Finally, we'll talk about how to deal with favoritism between leadership and its members and when promised opportunities do not happen for us.
I want to address a sensitive topic that unfortunately affects many people in our community: when the church, its leaders, and members hurt you. I know firsthand how painful and confusing it can be when the very place and people you thought you could trust and rely on for support end up causing you harm.
First and foremost, I want to acknowledge that the actions of those who hurt you do not reflect the heart of God or His intentions for His church. The Bible tells us that the church is the body of Christ, and each member has a unique and important role to play (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). However, just like any human institution, the church is made up of imperfect people who are capable of making mistakes, causing harm, and even sinning. It's important to remember that the hurtful actions of others do not define who you are or your worth as a child of God. You are fearfully and wonderfully made in His image, and He loves you unconditionally (Psalm 139:14). Your identity and value come from Him, not from the opinions or actions of others.
That being said, it's also important to address the hurt and pain you may be experiencing. It's okay to feel angry, betrayed, or confused when someone in the church hurts you. It's okay to seek support and help from trusted friends, family members, or even a professional counselor. In fact, seeking help and support is a sign of strength, not weakness. But as you process your emotions and seek healing, I urge you not to give up on the church as a whole. The church is still a place where you can find community, support, and most importantly, a deeper relationship with God. The Bible tells us to not forsake the gathering of believers (Hebrews 10:25) and that we are meant to encourage and build each other up (1 Thessalonians 5:11).
However, I also recognize that it can be difficult to trust again after experiencing hurt and betrayal. If you feel like you can't trust the leaders or members of your current church, it's okay to look for a new community where you feel safe and supported. But I encourage you to not give up on finding a community where you can grow in your faith and find support from fellow believers.
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