When a Brother Stumbles...

[Catsmeow]

I feel this way when someone comes along and immediately smears "Christians" or the "Church" etc..

I think, "Hmm, isn't this person a Christian or member of a church body?" Why don't they love the Church?

When we "bash" the Church, are we not bashing the Body of our Lord Jesus Christ? Whether it be an individual OR a body of believers, when one part hurts, we all hurt.

Jesus loves His body. He nourishes and cherishes it. Shouldn't we?

[Crosslight]

When we "bash" the Church, are we not bashing the Body of our Lord Jesus Christ?

Yes.. we are.

Lord help us to walk in righteous love.

shalom

stacie

[Catsmeow]

bump

[ray]

Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. (Galatians 6:1)

It amazes me how many Christians do not admidt to falling into temptations path. We are tempted every day. No matter the temptation God will provide a way out. However, when we allow that temptation become strong than our love for the Lord it is easy to fall short of the glory God. We all fall short according God and scripture. Romans 8:1 " For there is no condemnation for those who are Christ Jesus"

You can not have a testimony withour first having a test or trial. Matthew 5 says... "Happy are those who are persecuted because they do what God requires"

I heard of two different stories that where a Christian has fallen short and has been shown God's mercy and Grace neither of which deserve.

Story 1: A pastor was caught for credit theft and variety of other crimes. When church members came to church that following Sunday of hearing what pastor did during the week; the elders of the church handed each member a stone. Than the elders proceeded to say after each member had their stone...... "He who is without sin cast the first stone." The pastor still suffered his consequence by going to jail but no not one memeber could throw a stone and everyone was in tears.

Story 2: A youth pastor was no longer behaving his normal self and in fact everyone was growing concerned. In a years time he had gained over 100 pounds and seem to not want as much involvement with the youth of the church. Someone decided that he would be accountable to this pastor and visit him once week. This person would review his diet needs and exercise program. After several months he realized that no progress was being made but seemed to getting worse. So this accountability person called another pastor and informed him of what he was doing.

The pastor said well you are not showing him any grace. What do mean said accountability person. The pastor said well has been happening in this youth pastor life that these changes are happening. Well, several members of his family have passed away, and another memeber of his family has been diagnosed with cancer. The pastor replied all you have been doing for him telling him to do is keep the rules and laws and not grace. What he needs is self dicsipline. The accountability partner jumped and said that what I will tell him. Woe said the pastor this a man who can't get up off the couch and exercise your gonna tell him he needs self discipline. Yeah. No, is there anybody at your church that likes to go walks or the gym? yes,.. well than you need to get those people to walk with him or take him to the gym. Than you need to find him a support group for those who are grieving a loss because he needs to talk to someone about all this. Than the accountability person realized he must show him how give grace instead or reminding him what wrongs he has done.

We need to start showing more grace and love instead of opening our mouths. This is not an easy thing to do but God will Help us through all our struggles.

[Catsmeow]

Great post...and well said!

[papa T]

<---tempted every day....falls almost as often....Thank God that Jesus forgives and remembers no more....PTL

[Catsmeow]

Someone PM'd me and thought I was "bashing" the Church. Weird. I was defending it...when we don't read carefully, we miss the intent of the author.

We are to walk HUMBLY with our God. We are to love the Body of Christ (i.e. the Church), cherish and nourish her, just as we do our own bodies.

Yes, husbands love your wives, just as Christ loves the Church. Likewise, ALL of us need to love the Church and cherish her...since we are all a part of that same Church.

I'm troubled when I see so many people criticize and condemn the very Body they're supposed to belong to. And we're just as eager to attack our own brethren.

While we never condone sin, (NEVER), we should support and encourage one another whilst we struggle with our own "issues". And heaven knows, we all have issues (i.e. hidden sins).

[Rania]

I absolutely loved the OP. I even copied it to another forum because I thought it was worth passing on.

TAP

[Catsmeow]

[message]

Oh many thanks, to the person whom wrote.. they have learned not to throw stones, because too many of them had your name on them..

that alone is a great reminder to us all..

God shines his light when you least expect it..

He shone them on your words for me..

Thank you.. X+