Selwyn looks at “another ingredient of a caring church: In a caring church people can share their deep feelings and hurts without fear of being rejected.”
‘Rejection’ can come in many forms – a common one, is for the confidence of a small group to be broken – meaning that what you may share, in confidence, may be shared by others present – with the wider church community through ‘gossip’.
Selwyn writes: ” … I (once) emphasised the need to share one’s deepest problems with a small group of committed believers – a reader, then shared with their group, a deep hurt experienced a few days earlier. It seems that this expression of feeling took the group by surprise. One of them said: “We are here to unravel the Bible’s problems, not your problems.” Someone else said; : “I’m surprised at you having such negative feelings. I always thought you were such a positive person.” Another said: ‘”You shouldn’t feel like that – it’s not a right reaction to difficulties.”
I had to smile when I read today’s study. All to often, I’ve encounter the same type of reaction (as outline above) when sharing some of the difficult times I’ve gone through – with others. Let me be clear about one thing – all those who follow Jesus, will suffer.
Sadly, as Selwyn mentions, the ’church’ is full of people who don’t know how to comfort others during times of spiritual trials or personal hurts. I know many people who have had similar experiences: a mature, follower of Jesus, does not respond in such a negative way – yet, we need to forgive those who make uncaring, thoughtless comments.
I, myself, know people with serious problems that they have not shared – it is, as if, by sharing, they admit they are not perfect. Yet, that’s what we are – imperfect, stumbling – failing individuals – trying to live according to God’s will - but never reaching His standard. It’s by accepting our failings, that we learn to lean on God – for everything – to become like, little children – depending entirely on our Holy Father. We can depend entirely on God – because He loves us, with His entire being. Do you agree?
Sharing at a deep level
Selwyn looks at “another ingredient of a caring church: In a caring church people can share their deep feelings and hurts without fear of being rejected.”
‘Rejection’ can come in many forms – a common one, is for the confidence of a small group to be broken – meaning that what you may share, in confidence, may be shared by others present – with the wider church community through ‘gossip’.
Selwyn writes: ” … I (once) emphasised the need to share one’s deepest problems with a small group of committed believers – a reader, then shared with their group, a deep hurt experienced a few days earlier. It seems that this expression of feeling took the group by surprise. One of them said: “We are here to unravel the Bible’s problems, not your problems.” Someone else said; : “I’m surprised at you having such negative feelings. I always thought you were such a positive person.” Another said: ‘”You shouldn’t feel like that – it’s not a right reaction to difficulties.”
I had to smile when I read today’s study. All to often, I’ve encounter the same type of reaction (as outline above) when sharing some of the difficult times I’ve gone through – with others. Let me be clear about one thing – all those who follow Jesus, will suffer.
Sadly, as Selwyn mentions, the ’church’ is full of people who don’t know how to comfort others during times of spiritual trials or personal hurts. I know many people who have had similar experiences: a mature, follower of Jesus, does not respond in such a negative way – yet, we need to forgive those who make uncaring, thoughtless comments.
I, myself, know people with serious problems that they have not shared – it is, as if, by sharing, they admit they are not perfect. Yet, that’s what we are – imperfect, stumbling – failing individuals – trying to live according to God’s will - but never reaching His standard. It’s by accepting our failings, that we learn to lean on God – for everything – to become like, little children – depending entirely on our Holy Father. We can depend entirely on God – because He loves us, with His entire being. Do you agree?