I’d not passed it in months.
Now I pass it every Sunday morning.
“It” is the church we left under difficult circumstances in 2008.
It was a church we loved.
When we drove away that April morning, our Christ-knit “family” wasn’t the only thing left behind. The dust cloud also included my dream job and creative ministries I loved, so to say the departure was difficult would be a vast understatement.
And yet…I’m reminded every time I pass the church that, although we now differ theologically, there’s no doubt that it’s full of people who know, love, and pursue Christ— and for that, I rejoice.
I believe it was Charles Stanley who said you know you’ve completely forgiven someone when you can pray God’s blessings for them, and I believe this to be true. Don’t believe me? Try it.
Now, when I pass by each Sunday morning, I pray wisdom, discernment, and blessings for their staff and the body. I desire God’s best for them.
Does a twinge of disappointment remain? Absolutely. But I’ll take that twinge over the lasting sting of bitterness any day.
Am I alone here? Perhaps there’s a family member, friend, co-worker, pastor, or church body that needs you to trade in your bitterness for blessings. You’ll both be blessed and God will be glorified through your obedience. Go for it!
Get rid of all bitterness, rage and
anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind
and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in
Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:31-32
Cathy, I could totally relate to this post, both with previous churches and people I know. Holding onto bitterness does nothing but hurt the person who's bitter, so I'm glad you chose to touch on this subject today.
Thank you for sharing, Allison. 🙂
Beautiful post, Cathy and such truth for all of us.
Thank you, Desi. 🙂
Bitterness is an odd thing; it turns itself around on you. It started out with anger that I felt I had a right to. And holding onto that made me feel like I was exercising my "right" to hurt that person. In reality, I was the only one who was upset. LEtting go actually freed ME. Thanks for this reminder today Cathy.
Amen, Ellen! Free indeed. 🙂
Beautiful posting, Cathy, both in message and in writing. Fav line: "The dust cloud also included my dream job and creative ministries I loved…" I've seen a bittersweet dust cloud behind me too from time to time. Good thoughts.
Being a preacher's kid I have seen it all, the love and the heart ache.
I believe, God moves us from one place to another so others can experience the talents he has gifted us with and vice versa.
To everything there is a season…
Good article, Cathy. God bless!
Thank you, Deb. Blessings!
Becky, I love your insight. So true! Thank you for sharing.
I'm thankful God has given you that peace. And yes, differences with churches and situations with Christian brothers and sisters can be the hardest to recover from.
But as I get older, I'm learning more and more that I need to let go of my bitterness quickly. That's not to say I always do it. But at least I do know it more quickly, whether I let it go or not…
Thanks for a great reminder.
I hope I'm learning the same, Vonda. Life is too precious to waste one moment on bitterness. Thank you for sharing.