was going through a rough stunt for a while and I started going to church because I knew that I had to not only get my life together but I needed to get right with the Father before anything in my life would go right. So I began going to one of the BEST services here in Cincinnati and trust me I was trying so hard to make my life and my walk with Him right. But in the midst of all this I could tell that the Bishop of the services did not like me, I met him face to face and I was frustrated with the way he treated me I wanted to cry I thought to myself. God I thought you called me to start my walk here and this is how I am treated, you know I can always go back to drinking and smoking weed and feel much better than having to deal with this, but God had me still going. I wrestled with the Father every Sunday and Wednesday. I did not want to go, even in prayer and my time with Him had become a struggle,even now. I have since stopped going to church and I miss it. My Question is to true
2006-09-28 06:39:13 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
This question is to true believers and not for those who are going to bash the Chrisitians because no matter what people think, or say I am still a christian and will forever be. I want to know what it is that I should do, how should I approach this and make it right.
2006-09-28 06:41:16 · update #1
I want to give a good answer because I see what you are going through. You are very close to truly understanding what it is about. You are trying to let your faith transform your life. It is very much about love. And then things get confusing.
It starts with your love for yourself and your love for God. Add those two together and you have love for what is right. So far so good. Now the tricky part: Love thy neighbor. And even trickier: Love thine enemy.
We all know the dangers of trying to love other people. If we don't know that, we can become victims of any cult-guru who comes along. I would include any religious figure who mis-uses the devotions of faithful disciples, no matter what the name on the front door of the faith might happen to be.
Here is the thing to remember: as a person of faith, you are to love the souls of all people- the internal person- but you have to be able to ignore some of the external garbage.
I don't know this Bishop. He could be a conflicted person or he could just be testing you. If he is a genuine person of God, he doesn't hate the part of you that belongs to God, even if he finds the old, misguided, external "you" to be someone he doesn't like.
The question is whether you will let one person's seeming lack of support deter you from your mission of transforming your life. At some point, you are responsible for your own walk with God. You will build your support network with or without the Bishop. It would be much nicer if you felt like you had his support, but you don't need his support.
Think about what you are doing and if you find the strength and the words, then talk to this Bishop and tell him the truth of what you see in the way he acts toward you. But use caution. Don't get angry or frustrated. Better that you should walk away from one person (and all people are just people, with or without any fancy title) and save your love for God, than to let one person make you sour.
Blessings to you. Find peace inside yourself. Your strength comes from God and from you and you'll need all the strength you can find to deal with other people.
2006-09-28 07:07:15 · answer #1 · answered by anyone 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The first thing you should do is find a different church. Not all churches are like this one. I was one of the worst drunks, smoked, fornicated and did just about everything the Lord had told me not to, until I came under conviction from the Holy Spirit. God even told me which church ( in a way ), that I was supposed to attend. I went to this church, and as soon as I opened the door to the sactuary, I could feel the Spirit and the love of the congregation coming from within. That was ten years ago come November. I am still in that church. I am a trustee, asst. Sunday School Teacher, Mission Messenger, and have so many jobs in the church. Find a church you are comfortable in that suits your needs and I assure you, you will overcome and win in the end. Another thing I learned is that the closer you get to God, the harder satan works on you. Keep your head up and move ahead. God bless.
2006-09-28 13:48:45 · answer #2 · answered by stullerrl 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You Just HAVE to believe the best about your Bishop!!
He is FOR you and your success. Give him another chance.
Always approach him with the attitude that he loves you like the Father does. You MAY have misinterpreted what was meant in your face to face meeting. Remember, there is a divider and you must just go!!! IF it is true that the Bishop does not like you......WHO CARES? You are not there to please him but to please God. Who knows what started as a misunderstanding with your Bishop may be the beginning of a good friendship.
God Bless you
2006-09-28 13:49:51 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I used to be in that situation but I chose to look for another church to keep myself from dwelling on the people and keep my focus on God. I don't know if there is another church for you that is of interest but it worked for me and my family. You may want to confront that Bishop and tell in love what you are going thru that may be ur greatest avenue for you to stay where you want to be if that's what you want. God bless you in ur endeavors. I pray that God will intervene and give you a peace of mind and help you to remain focus thru this trial.
Shalom
2006-09-28 13:52:00 · answer #4 · answered by Pashur 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't let one person stop you from coming back to the Lord. There are far too many churches with warm and accepting congregations to let this one church be your stumbling block. That bishop will have to answer for his treatment of you.
2006-09-28 13:46:04 · answer #5 · answered by Robert L 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The only one you need is God, not this bishop or anyone else. All people are sinful and sometimes fail. Remember the verse "If God is for me, who can be against me?" God's opinion of you is all that matters.
2006-09-28 13:49:50 · answer #6 · answered by Elle 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe you need a different Church?
I am sorry that you have a bad experience.
I switched from a Protestant Church to a Catholic one. 2nd. best decision of my life. (My wife is #1)
Good luck, it sounds like the Holy Spirit is drawing you, and you are not afraid to follow.
You can look more here if you wish:
www.Catholic.com
www.Catholic.org
2006-09-28 13:46:01 · answer #7 · answered by C 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not all churches are like this. Find a church where people know their bible...if that is so, they will know they are sinners saved by grace!
Don't give up. A true, bible teaching church that is alive in Christ, is out there for you.
2006-09-28 13:42:09 · answer #8 · answered by Esther 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋