Please pray for a fellow by the name of Steve who comes some of the time to our church. He's s fellow who was greatly embittered against churches in the fairly recent past because of the reception (or lack of it) he found in various local churches, including hypocrisy and a tendency to judge him. He's been coming to our church for a while now, seems to have found that we don't judge him. Pray he'll overcome his feelings and began to relate to people again.
Heavenly Father, it is only You who can heal the hurt done by thoughtlessness. Please use the people in Al's church to provide Your healing in this man's heart.
I'll be praying here Al.
Don
This seems to be such a common problem. So many won't go to church for this reason. I am praying.
Praying here too. It is an unfortunate circumstance in too many churches. People come for healing and that is not what they find.
Becky
It is a sad and unfortunate thing that this happens in many of our churches. But churches are made up of humans, none of whom are perfect or blameless. Nevertheless, this doesn't make it any less hurtful when it happens. It's happened to me, it's happened to my sister (who still avoids churches to this day because of it), and I'm sure it's happened to many if not all of us at one time or another.
Father God, please put Your comfort and protection around Steve as he attends this new church with Al and help him to connect with people who truly love You and want to serve You and others. Make the fellowship true and loyal and without judgment. Heal his heart, Lord of the hurt that was done to him, and help him to become adjusted to this new family of believers. We thank You Lord and give You praise. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Steve seems to be responding really well. God is, step by step, bringing him around to loving His people and His Word. Keep praying. Thanks.
Al, that's good news. :)
Continuing to pray Al.