At 14 my church turned their backs on me because I stood up for the truth. I took the side a person wrongly aquesed of a crime he didn't commit. There was no proof only rumors and lies. I was not the only one to take the stand, but because I was 14 they thought I needed to be taught my place. 14 years later I can't bring myself to go back. I don't find the comfort I once found in the bible. I'm not looking for go to church because God says so in the bible. I don't want to hear forgive and forget. I just want to find the comfort i once found in the bible and trust and faith I have in God. My religous beliefs are for me alone and it doesn't matter what chuch I went to.
2007-07-27 05:30:11 · 33 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I was brought up in a home where religion was everything. I guess I've just lost my way of the years. I know what the bible says, but I'd really like to find the way back a good starting point. Will God even want to hear me now. My have six yr old with autism and 3 yrs ago when we found out i guess it's what pushed me over the edge. I don't have friends, and my family is fighting over a matter that keeps me far away. I don't need a shrink, but a good starting point in the bible and maybe a few suggestions with a religion to start looking into would be nice.
2007-07-27 05:53:17 · update #1
I go within myself, go out in nature, and have sought out forms of spirituality that did provide comfort. It's a shame that a group of judgemental morons shunned you, but did you ever consider that it was in your highest good/best interest to be away from them? As painful as it was, it sounds like they did you a huge favor.
In regard to not forgiving/bitterness, I read a great quote: To not forgive or to remain bitter is like taking poison and waiting on the other person to die. To forgive and let go of bitterness is for your benefit and no one else. In no way does it mean you condone the actions, but it sets you free from the pain and judgement. You get your power back.
2007-07-27 05:47:32 · answer #1 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Remember that the church that turned their backs on you and your friend are also sinners like you, imperfect and human. You said that you don't want a "forgive and forget" answer, but this is part of the Christian life. In my own life, I've actually found comfort in the fact that I'm just a sinner, like everyone else, completely undeserving of salvation, and yet somehow saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. And in my undeserving state, I live in an entire world of undeserving people in need of a Savior.
Go back to the church, or find another one that does suit you, but a fellowship of other sinners saved by grace and celebrating the risen Lord is what Christians do. Your call.
2007-07-27 05:46:26 · answer #2 · answered by ccrider 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
for me it's music. but then for me it's always been making music and painting. Yes and other people of course, but other people can also be hell sometimes, you need to have some solace in your self as well. Be a light unto yourself. I find that their can be great solace in literature as well.
but yeah, mostly music. I very much recommend Leonard Cohen, who as transcends the opposition of reverence and irreverence. In his songs blasphemy and worship are pretty much the same thing. If anybody can teach how to make the world your church he's it.
edit: I think you may want to look into eastern religions. they are a little more accepting of the idea that you have to pick a tradition or method that fits you. Ultimately though, if you want to make contact with God you should just do so.
2007-07-27 05:48:41 · answer #3 · answered by Ray Patterson - The dude abides 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you truly want to move on with God you will never find comfort / peace without forgiveness. I know this from personal experience. I wasn't the one who did the wrong, but 3 years later I was still nursing a grudge and angry. After I quit licking my own wounds and listened to the Lord I knew I had to forgive for "my own christian livelihood." Just because you forgive does not mean you have to go back to that church. But you need to get back in church and allow the Lord to do what He does best.......cradle you in His love and remind you how very much you've missed Him and He you.
2007-07-27 05:48:14 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
We can always turn to the Lord and He will comfort us. The church can't help us. It is just a building. The people inside the church often let us down, but Jesus never does. Stay in the Word of God and follow Jesus. Telling people about our wonderful Savior is our job. Our job is not to sit in the church pew and act religious. Our job is to become mature Christians by knowing what God has to say in His Word, the Holy bible.
2007-07-27 05:44:35 · answer #5 · answered by Jeancommunicates 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think at 28 you should be reading the Bible to discover what it really says and then you will know the truth. I only suggest this because you miss the Bible. If you are born again the Holy Spirit will lead you to all truth, all you have to do is read.
I would suggest you begin with the book of John, then move to Acts, then read the epistles of Paul.
grace2u
2007-07-27 05:37:45 · answer #6 · answered by Theophilus 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sweetie you need relationship with God not religion.
Why forsake your God for the misunderstanding of mortal man?
Who do you serve God or man?
This is not a reason to turn away from the God of your youth.!!!!
When you die and face God on judgement day will you tell Him that you didn't continue you to serve Him because you was misunderstood.
Was not Jesus who died for you? Was not His blood what was shed for you?......
You make the emphasis on what they have done to you so its ok not to read your bible and serve God....there is no excuse.
how can your healing of heart begin if you would not forgive and forget?....the longer you hold on to this hurt you will just grow more bitter and reading the bible will become more difficult for unforgiveness is totally contrary to the teachings of God's word.
Dont you know that unforgiveness only keeps those who you are not willing to forgive always with you?
My advise to you is to lay it down... or lay them down, so to speak, and let the healing begin.
2007-07-27 05:48:05 · answer #7 · answered by Pamster 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Then you need to find comfort and peace from God alone and not expect to find it within the confines of a church or group or even another person. Only God and God alone can bring true peace. People must realize that as Christians Jesus needs to be number one and we must put our faith in Him and not in a church. It is very easy for people to start worshiping the church. One of the names of God is Jehovah-Shalom, translated "The Lord is Peace."
Jesus said: "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you, NOT AS THE WORLD GIVES, do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful" John 14:27.
We must use the church to help us grow in our Spiritual walk. If we are not truly walking spiritually with Jesus, then church is a waste of time.
2007-07-27 05:42:00 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Friends
2007-07-27 05:34:30 · answer #9 · answered by bbrenpbr 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just as the Bible points out, we are all sinners. Just because the majority thinks something is right, doesn't always mean it is right. The role of the Christian is the road less traveled, but it's the one that leads to Heaven. Pray about it.
2007-07-27 05:36:23 · answer #10 · answered by nita5267 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋