There is this woman that used to go to the same church I went to. She tend to stretch the truth about me constantly. She is the reason I no longer attend church at all! She had everyone convinced that I was this very evil man. Yet she never really got to know me (I wanted nothing to do with her)! Her parents where good buddies with this guy who tried to cast devils out of everyone who didn't ware a suit and tie(or wasn't like him). Of course in his demented state of mind I was possesed too! I have such a grudge towards these people that I refuse to even set foot in that church again! And it has greatly affected my trust for alot of churches. The problem is: I actually loved attending church and wish I could find a place right for me! But I'm afraid of running into the same problem somewhere else.
2007-02-15 15:59:33 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Well taylor with your response I'd rather you not answer! You seem more willing to criticize rather than give any encouragement. I don't know what kind of life you have had but some of us have had better than others. Your answer has only worsened the way I feel about people.
2007-02-15 16:29:34 · update #1
So are we supposed to be like robots? No emotion?
2007-02-15 16:31:18 · update #2
Lay it down for your own sake, move on, find another church that loves the Lord and His people and you will be happier.
2007-02-15 16:06:32 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
So, what I'm hearing you say guitarman is that your willing to face God and blame someone else for the reason you did not seek him. What a cop out! We have ALLLLL been privy to weirdos in church, does that constitute a) not attending anymore b) not willing to worship your God? c) conform your thinking from one church as all churches?
As for forgiving, this is actually pretty damn hard. Sometimes it takes years, and forgiving is something that you have to do one tiny speck at a time. Does that mean the feelings of shame, humiliation, anger that you have felt for being bullied and sideswipped by this woman and wacko guy go away instantly? No. In fact it festers, but the fact that your willing to offer this in prayer with the heart of forgiveness assists later. Time heals.
Don't let one bad experience at ONE church poison the rest. If you continue to do so, it's an excuse your using. If you have a bad experience at work with your boss, and you work at a hospital; does that mean that when you leave (because you quit) you will never work at another hospital because you've 'lost trust' in them? Think about the logic of what your saying.....
2007-02-16 00:19:40 · answer #2 · answered by Michelle_My_Belle 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, part of forgiving is understanding why they do what they do. But let's just drop that for now.
Step one, talk to the head preacher about your problem. I bet that you are not the only one that has been affected by these people. Now, if the preacher does not take measures to correct the problem, then you might not want to be there anyways.
I've been to several churches. From my experience, none of them were the same. Step in, look around, hear what the preacher has to say, then decide. Best not to decide before you even know what's in there. That's called fear.
Best wishes.
2007-02-16 00:08:35 · answer #3 · answered by Odindmar 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Just leave the past in the past and move forward. I know it's easier said then done, but you must forgive. Don't dwell in what has already been done.
There is a church out there that is right for you. Don't be afraid. If you love attending church then go find one.
2007-02-16 00:12:23 · answer #4 · answered by JohnC 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, it sounds like those people weren't great influences. However you shouldn't let two people control your relationships with God or church. All churches are unique in their own special way. You need to find one that truly seeks God and shares His love and message. Keep looking don't give up on church because of a bad experience. There are many loving Christians out there who truly want to seek a relationship with God.
As for forgiveness, we are required to forgive one another. Sometime it takes time, and sometimes you have to forgive them more than once. Someone told me that you truly have forgiven someone when you can remember the incident or think of that person without anger or resentment.
Whether they deserve forgiveness or not, it's healthier for you to let it go, forgive them, and move on. Pray for them, because they need God in their lives just like anyone else. And pray for God to give you healing and guidance.
2007-02-16 00:20:52 · answer #5 · answered by taima_adara 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You did good in turning away from this false religion. Don't let this experience discourage you. This happened for a reason. Read 2 Cor. 11:14, 15: "Satan himself keeps transforming himself into an angel of light. It is therefore nothing great if his ministers also keep transforming themselves into ministers of righteousness." (Here we are cautioned that not everything that originates with Satan may appear hideous. One of his chief methods of deceiving mankind has been false religion of all kinds, to some of which he gives a righteous appearance.)
2 Tim. 3:2,5: "Men will be...having a form of godly devotion but proving false to its power; and from these turn away."
My advise is keep on seeking and you will find the truth.
God Bless.
2007-02-16 00:32:13 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You must turn the other cheek and forgive them as God has forgiven you because when they get to heaven and see Jesus and God, He will judge them. As for the church try to find a new one which accepts you and will think of you as a good follower.
2007-02-16 00:06:46 · answer #7 · answered by GodsFollower 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Once you realize we are all human and make mistakes, even you, me and the people who offended you. Try a different church until you find one you like. I like the UCC cause it's pretty liberal, maybe even radical and suits me. You should be able to find one that suits you.
2007-02-16 00:14:33 · answer #8 · answered by chris B 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Send a letter to the preacher and let him shame her and find another church, faith is in God not the church.
2007-02-16 00:09:31 · answer #9 · answered by Johnny 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First of all, ask The Lord to help you to forgive those people in faith that He is able to do so and that He wants to do so, and then thank Him for it. Confess OUT LOUD...Lord, by faith in You I forgive those people from those wrongs. I ask you to forgive me for my past feelings, thoughts, and actions that I have had for them. By Your power Lord which works in me, I confess that I turn away from those ways and as You strengthen me, I will love them as myself. I ask you to forgive them, to protect them, and to bless them. Lord, from this day forward, I confess in Jesus' Name that I will not look back, but will press ahead as You strengthen me. I ask You to help me and to lead me to the church where You would have me to be. I thank You for all these things, In Jesus' Name....Amen.
Now, just do it! PEACE!!!
2007-02-16 00:13:36 · answer #10 · answered by David H 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋