Yesterday, I read things that Church leaders had said or done that made me cringe. I found myself thinking, “I don’t want to be associated with Christians. I don’t want to be grouped in the same category.”

Now, before you start praying for my soul, let me say this. I love Jesus Christ. I think the Bible is true yet complicated. There are certain passages I don’t understand but I trust them to be true. I love Father God. He is kind. He is Holy. He is just. He is Love. He is the epitome of Grace.

It’s not my faith I’m struggling with, it’s people.

But the Holy Spirit, my teacher and guide, had a few things to say about my conclusion.

HS: My daughter, are you perfect?

Me: No, but I’m growing in my love.

HS: Did we disclaim you, before you were growing in your love?

Me: [silent].

HS: By judging your fellow Christians, aren’t you doing the very thing you despise?

Me: [silent]

HS: My daughter, don’t become that which you hate.

Me: [silent]

Jesus: When I hung on the cross in excruciating pain, I saw people I loved. People I came to save, ridiculing and scorning me. What was my response?

Me: Father forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.

Jesus: I did not judge them at their worse. I extend grace and mercy when you are at your worse. My love remains even when my people are behaving badly.

Me: Help me love like you love. Please, help me see the You in my fellow Christians.

Jesus: Love them where they are. Don’t expect them to change. Speak truth. Forgive easily. Be a walking demonstration of my love wherever you go. Sow seeds of love, forgiveness, patience, peace, joy, hope, kindness, goodness, gentleness, and self-control.

Me: I can’t do that alone.

The Father, Son, & Holy Spirit: We are not going anywhere. We are here for you.

“We should keep on encouraging each other to be thoughtful and to do helpful things. Some people have given up the habit of meeting for worship, but we must not do that. We should keep on encouraging each other, especially since you know that the day of the Lord’s coming is getting closer.”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭10:24-25‬ ‭CEV‬‬