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Q.
My family and I have had a couple of bad
experiences in the last two churches we
attended (mainly because of
controversies that eventually split both
of them). We're very disillusioned and
have just about given up on finding a
new church. I thought Christians were
supposed to get along with each other.
Mrs. J.G.
A: Dear
Mrs. J.G.,
Who do you think is overjoyed when
Christians don't get along and churches
are rent by unnecessary conflict? Is God
overjoyed—or Satan? I think you know the
answer. Among the things that the Lord
is said to hate is "a man who stirs up
dissension among brothers" (Proverbs
6:19).
I'm very sorry you've had these two bad
experiences—and I hope you won't let
them sour you on church or keep you from
finding another one. Christian
fellowship is one of God's greatest
gifts to us, helping us grow and stay
strong spiritually. Ask God to lead you
to a church where Christ is preached and
the Bible is taught, and where a spirit
of love binds people together. Jesus
said, "By this all men will know that
you are my disciples, if you love one
another" (John 13:35).
Remember that no church is perfect. As
someone has quipped, if you found one
that was, it would stop being perfect
the minute you joined! That's why your
focus should be on Christ, for only He
is perfect.
In addition, ask God to lead you to a
church where you can serve Him.
Churchgoing shouldn't be a spectator
sport! Instead, ask God to use you to
make your church a place where He is
honored and Christ's love rules.
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