TeamDavis

[A journal entry from Oct 7, 2007. I ran across it and it was a good reminder for me; thought I'd share it.]

As I read 1 John (in the Bible) this week, I was impacted by John’s distinction of Christians being known for their love, especially towards their brothers and sisters. I realized that in the past, I have read that as “love the brothers and sisters in your church.” Sometimes that can be hard enough!

But I was challenged how my attitude and cynicism can build up towards other believers, most of whom I have not even met. For example, I have heard stories of people being deeply wounded by pastors or church leaders to the point of turning away from God.  One example I was recently challenged through was in reading the journey of Sheila Walsh through serious depression, and taking steps to pursue healing.  On this journey, as shared  through her book Honestly, she conveys things that were said to her when she was at the end of herself in emotional mess, and finally reached out for help. When reading the words of some of her colleagues and friends who said stupid and unloving things (mostly out of ignorance and fear of emotions), my reaction could be “those idiots!” or “I want to punch them.”  The things they said cut deeply. But the reality is that they are believers, (or at least professed). And the world watches how we treat them.

Obviously, for all recorded history, people have done horrible things in the name of Christ. Healthy distance from those who are damaging souls and some distinctions are necessary.

Yet looking at what John writes, and knowing the “world” does lump Christians together; even if we bristle at being combined with some of our relatives.

John (who’s closest ministry partners were slaughtered, mind you) says that those who have hate towards his brother are living in darkness.

I know I have traveled down this path of animosity, bitterness, and speaking ill of my brothers and sisters in Christ. How then do we pursue life and the integrity and unity of the Church?  For starters, I have watched the example of leaders I respect, calling out non-Christ-like behavior, without completely destroying the person they are referring to. Sheila Walsh went back to some people who hurt her and had very restoring, healing conversations.  While some conversations did not pan out, many of her colleagues and friends confessed their inadequacy to respond well, and their expression of sorrow for hurting her. Sheila found healing as she released her own anger toward them that could have destroyed her.

What a beautiful thing Christ can do in his redemptive way.

May we be open to His workings and not our own judgments and standards.