Boldness comes from our confi-
dence in Christ. Jesus was radically
bold. He sought out, included and
blessed the outcast. This is the same
bold we need to be!
There are times victims feel as ugly
as the sin. Their entire being has been
tainted by an unwelcome intrusion.
Whether it happened once, or too
many times to count, it lingers within
them with little reprieve, resulting in
feelings of anger, loneliness, depres-
sion and anxiety, self-destructive be-
havior, poor self-es-
teem, difficulty
trusting others, and
even substance
abuse leading to
addiction to cope.
The church ought
to be a destination
where the broken
come for solace
and sanctuary. Are
we providing this?
We listen to sermons
about what is ex-
pected of us, our
obedience to Christ, repentance of
sin, loving others, and forgiveness. Yet,
does it provide the safe-haven for the
tattered and torn to come as they
are and feel comfortable enough to
stay? Are we cultivating our fruits of
the Spirit? Or, are we limiting ourselves
to function only as far as our comfort
zone allows us? Let us break away
from what feels uncomfortable with
the confidence of Christ, and lean
into the ones who really do feel un-
comfortable.
Galatians 6:2 “Carry each other’s
burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill
the law of Christ.”
There is no doubt how imperative
it is to carry and hold each other ac-
countable for sin, but, are we also car-
rying each other’s burdens of pain to
lighten their sorrow? Or are the cries of
the walking wounded a mere murmur
in comparison?
Plain and simple, let us not pretend
it does not exist. Pastors, you are the
professors of God’s curriculum. Imple-
ment awareness of others’ wounds to
be just as anticipated as the worship –
expected as the offering – and relied
upon as communion. Incorporate the
realities of people’s pain (whether it
be abuse, grief, or trau-
ma) into the regimen so
they can feel as viable as
the highlights of the week.
A support ministry needs
to be considered just as
important and necessary
as men’s, women’s, wor-
ship, youth and children’s
ministries, as well as bible
studies, outreach and
missions.
Coincidentally, my
pastor recently spoke
on such a topic. His ser-
mon expressed the need of support
for sufferers with mental illnesses, and
those who are associated with them.
I was blown away by God’s timing.
This is exactly what is needed for those
who suffer from sexual abuse, as well
as grief and trauma. Together, my
wife and I are encouraged, as she is
also a survivor of sexual assault by a
stranger, and we are thankful that our
pastor has set our church into motion
for what may come with our pastor’s
boldness.
Please prayerfully consider – and
if your church is willing to follow suit,
your congregation will thank you.
Isaiah 61:1 “The spirit of the Lord
God is upon me, because the Lord
There is
no better
opportunity to
provide a safe
haven for the
wounded than
in the church.
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