It is possible that when we face adversity or endure hardships in life that we will become bitter toward God and the Church. It is also possible that when we see the grace of God in our lives and the love of His family poured out that we will have a great appreciation for the Church. Someone once said that every trial we face will make us either bitter or better.
Perhaps there is a preaching brother who is reading this right now who has been treated unfairly or even cruelly by the church. Maybe a co-worker has stabbed you in the back or the elders have not been what you had hoped they would be. May I take a few moments and share some reminders concerning why we should love the church, even with her imperfections.
(1) The Precious Price Paid for the Church. Let’s never forget that this body of flawed people has been purchased with the precious blood of Jesus. (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 1:18-19)
(2) The Eternal Nature of the Church. Long before the Church found its way to earth, it resided in the mind and heart of God. Ephesians 3:9-11 confirms that the Church is a part of the eternal plan of God. (1 Peter 1:10-12)
(3) The Visible Reality of God’s Spiritual Kingdom. The work of the Church is to glorify God by introducing to the Kingdom, those who do not know Jesus. We exist to help people find Jesus. (Matthew 16:18-19) Jesus taught His followers to pray that the Father’s Will would be done on earth as it is in Heaven. This is best lived out through the Church.
(4) The Church provides a place for people who are imperfect, people who are lonely, and people who are hurting. (Ephesians 4:25-32; Galatians 6:1-2)
When we are struggling with life or when we are going through difficult days in the Church, it might help us to remember these simple thoughts. They could help us survive those rough patches and hang in there for better days. May God bless you, dear brother, in all you do for Him. We love you.
