“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment.” — Romans 5:3-5a NLT
A great many things in this life can leave us feeling hopeless and disappointed. People, institutions, and other life circumstances can easily seem to betray our hope. We can even have the thought, “It wasn’t supposed to be like this.” What a disappointing thought to have. Whether these offenses are intentional or unintentional, they can send us reeling. What are we to do with this disappointment?
No matter how wonderful our hopes and dreams are, life is full of unexpected results. It may be that despite your best efforts, your marriage is not what you want it to be? Or, no matter what you do, you’re losing with your kids? Perhaps, you feel stuck in a dead-end job or your finances are in disarray? Maybe you feel betrayed by a close friend or relative? Your situation may be something much simpler or far worse — but while you’re in it, you can feel that you’ve been let down. If it’s not dealt with, this disappointment leads us to resentment, bitterness, anger, and apathy. The target of these emotions can become Jesus and His people.
Unfortunately, we see this play out far too many times inside the church (God’s people, not the building). Understandably, miscommunications occur or expectations go unspoken. I know first hand what it’s like to inadvertently wound (and be wounded) inside the church family. I know the sound of that voice in my head that says, “It would just be so much easier to leave.” I can feel that way even when I know that (most times) the offense is completely unintended. I want to feel justified in my pain. I want to carry that hurt, rather than righteously deal with it.
The Bible tells us in Colossians 3:13 to “Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.” The enemy would like nothing more than to rip apart the church from the inside. If he can keep Christians “stuck” and divided in their pain, then they will not be as effective as they can be for the Gospel.
When we feel like it would be best for us to leave, we should endure and fight for peace. We need to take our pain to the Lord and let Him heal our wounds (Psalm 55:22, 1 Peter 5:7). We should strive for unity and humbly consider others better than ourselves (Philippians 2:3). We can believe the best of the people around us and assume the best about their motives. There are times when we need to have loving, honest, and humble conversations with whomever has offended us. We need to have forgiveness and reconciliation. This can be the very best thing for us — to stay and work through it with the people next to us.
Let us endure in hope, Church. This endurance will grow our character. It will grow our hope for salvation. And that hope will NEVER disappoint!
Hoping with you,
Caleb
Posted in A Word from the Pastor