Answers

By   •   April 5, 2011   •   Topics:

Q:

I've given up on church. The last church I attended had so many divisions and conflicts in it that I vowed I'd never go to church again. I kind of miss it, but you can understand why I feel the way I do, can't you?


A:

Yes, I can understand your feelings; no one likes to find themselves in the middle of a church conflict. The only one who really delights in a church fight is the devil!

But this unfortunate experience has caused you to conclude wrongly that all churches must be like this one. That isn’t true — not at all. Admittedly, no church is perfect; as someone once said, if you ever find a perfect church, it’ll stop being perfect the moment you join it! But when Christ is at the center of a church’s life, it will be marked by harmony and love. The Bible says, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace” (Colossians 3:15).

Remember: When we come to Jesus Christ, we don’t only become connected to Him (although that is an important truth). We also become connected to each other — to all those who have put their faith and trust in Him. We belong to them and they belong to us — and we need each other. The Bible says, “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24).

Ask God to lead you to a church where Christ is preached and taught, and where people are seeking to live for Him. Not only will you find peace and friendship there, but it will provide you with spiritual nourishment for your soul.