The wounds left by people who claim to speak for God can be devastating. When Christians use hurtful words or judgment instead of love, it doesn't just create personal pain – it can distort your entire understanding of who Jesus truly is.
This episode tackles that raw, often unspoken experience head-on. We examine how Jesus himself actually treated people who were hurting, doubting, or living messy lives. Unlike many of his self-proclaimed followers today, Jesus consistently led with compassion rather than criticism. Whether it was the woman at the well, the woman caught in adultery, or even doubting Thomas, Jesus invited people closer instead of pushing them away.
We make a crucial distinction that can be healing for anyone carrying church hurt: Christians are human and often get it wrong, but that doesn't reflect who Christ truly is. Romans 8:38-39 reminds us that absolutely nothing – including the painful words or actions of imperfect believers – can separate us from God's perfect love. We also explore how forgiveness works as a pathway to freedom without requiring you to accept harmful behavior or remove necessary boundaries. Forgiveness isn't about minimizing hurt; it's about preventing that hurt from defining your spiritual journey moving forward.
Have you been wounded by someone speaking in Jesus' name? Don't bottle it up. Talk to him about it – he can handle your honest questions, doubts, and even anger. And remember, Jesus hasn't walked away from you, and he never will. Share this episode with someone else who might be silently carrying similar wounds and needs to be reminded of Christ's unfailing love.