Church hurt is real.

As someone who has spent her life in church (and been hurt plenty of times), I can say that with certainty.

But, here’s the thing…God wants us to be in community, benefitting from the mutual faith and encouragement of other Christ-followers.

So, how do we reconcile the two?

The simple fact is that, this side of Heaven, there is no perfect church. Zip. Nada. Zilch.

Churches are made up of broken people the same as any other organization, industry, or group.

What sets church apart is the Gospel.

The Good News that Jesus’s death on the cross is able to make all things new (2 Corinthians 5:17); infuse hope into our lives (Jeremiah 29:11); and redeem us from the grave (Psalm 49:15).

And church staff, volunteers, and attenders alike all need the Gospel.

For Christ-followers, we’re instructed to not forsake this necessary time in community.

“…not neglecting to gather together, as some are in the habit of doing…” (Hebrews 10:25 CSB)

Why?

So we can “…watch out for one another to provoke love and good works…encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:24-25 CSB)

We need each other. We need others in our lives who will encourage us, help us in our walk with Jesus, and remind us of how to get love right.

Will offenses happen? Absolutely. We’re sinful people in need of God’s forgiveness, mercy, and grace on a daily basis.

Does it change God’s heart for us to be in community? No.

Because it’s here, in community – broken, messy, and sometimes painful community – that God uses other believing, Gospel-minded people to help us grow and look more like Jesus in our own faith journeys.

If you find yourself wrestling with church hurt today, I pray that you would, first, give it to God. He sees and understands better than anyone. (Remember, Jesus was also hurt by the church and religious leaders of His day.)

Then, ask Him to show you your community. What church is best for you? What small group is right for you?

He knows. He’ll show you.

Resist the temptation to let church hurt keep you from Jesus and the life-giving community we all were created to need.

Until next time, Grace and Glory!