Have you ever given any thought to how many people on Sunday enter the door of the church with phony faces smiling answering the question " How are you" with the standard answer " Oh fine" which maybe is true but really I wonder how many really ache inside? The church is supposed to be a comfort zone of sorts for hurting souls and a place where you can go if you are tired and weary and get strength for your soul. There may be families who have argued up until the time they emerge from their vehicle to enter the sanctuary and once inside out come those smiling faces. Perhaps you are hurting because of a problem in a relationship or you have just heard bad news but you dare not go inside while you are crying, as 'what would someone think'. Also how many I wonder have choked back the tears when really they should have gone to the altar to pray.
Why are we afraid to be honest? Churches are supposed to help us grow in Christ yes, but they are also a place for weary, broken, beat down, hurt, worn out souls who have come to simply to release their burdens and pain and receive help and hope. Church is not just a bunch of people in suits and dresses singing 'Kum Bay ya' but is a 'sanctuary' of rest for the downtrodden. It is more than a social club.
In Matthew 9:12 it speaks of those coming to Christ and says "It is not the healthy but the sick who need a physician". My but isn't that true? If you are not sick you do not pay to go to a doctor and we are all hurting people in some sense and need Jesus 'The Great Physician' to comfort and heal us.
Some may be afraid to share their hurts in church as many churches may judge or condemn or 'shoot their wounded' so to speak. The body of Christ is supposed to show love, mercy, and forgiveness not condemn and ridicule. You know the verse in John 8:7 where Jesus speaks to the people condemning the woman caught in adultery and he says " Let he who is without sin cast the first stone." If you are in a judgmental church find one that shows God's mercy and hope for the healing.
Romans 3:23 says "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God". All means all. Big sin, little sin, it is all sin to God. You there pointing your finger, try showing Christ's love instead. Smile as you never know how that may brighten a person's day who is carrying a tremendous load. Give your cares to Jesus. He is always there, not judging, ready to listen.
Matthew 11:28 says "Come to me all you who are weary and heavy burdened and I will give you rest".
PRAYER: Lord I thank you for the opportunity to worship weekly and the freedom we enjoy in America to do that. Help me not ever be guilty of judging someone by how they look and to remember there is no dress code or certain 'look' on Sunday. Help me when I hurt to not be afraid to ask for prayer or help. In Jesus name. Amen.
Click link for a wonderful worship song.
http://youtu.be/SExJ9od-0zQ
