Two Steps Forward, One Step Back
This morning at church God used the Pastor to deliver a message that I and the congregation as a whole needed to hear. It was about Unity in the Church and “Doing Church as a Family”. I had the opportunity of hearing the message three times. I was thinking to myself okay I can do this even if I don’t like some characters that God has in the church I can (with God’s help) love them because we are all part of the family. Little did I know how soon I would be tested on this.
Then it happened… I will use different names to hide the identities of people. I was standing talking with Ethan after the third service. Jack, his wife and James were talking in a different area. When the group had finished talking Jack yells to Ethan (The person I was having a conversation with) that he was going to a local restaurant and getting a table for 5 people and for Ethan to come and join them (Jack, his wife, James, his wife and then Ethan). Pretty much what he was BOLDLY saying was “Stephanie you are not invited”. I held back the tears until later and tried to let it roll of my back. But I thought to myself wow after a message like what I just heard how could a so-called brother in Christ do this to a family member. At least he could have used some discernment and quietly invited the people he wanted to join them for lunch so no one would be hurt or left out. The thought that flashed through my head was Father forgive him and help me NEVER to make anyone feel the way I feel right now.
To those of you are close to me if you ever see me do something that hurts someone please be bold to take me aside and correct my behavior. Thanks in advance. 