Processing Pain

 

Life can be difficult. It’s hard living in a world that is less than ideal, with people who are less than ideal, in careers that are less than ideal, being ourselves who are less than ideal. The gap between the ideal and the real can be painful. Dr. Henry Cloud says we often respond by attacking and judging ourselves and others. But the Gospel of Jesus Christ offers another way. The power of the cross absorbs all judgement and recrimination (Romans 8:1, 18-25), making space for relationships of love and acceptance. The church is God’s safe space where we honestly process our pain and receive necessary correction. It’s where we learn to love ourselves and others when life is less than perfect. 

 

If you missed yesterday’s message, you can watch it here. 

Relational Connectedness

 

Having been created in the likeness of a three-personal God, (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) who is a perfect tri-unity of relationship, you and I are designed for relational connectedness. Without it, we’re not fully human. But relational connectedness requires vulnerability and compassion. We have to be willing to admit to one another when we’re not okay. We also need compassion and empathy, for ourselves and for one another, as we share our hurts and hang-ups. If you missed yesterday’s message and want to learn more, you can catch it here.

  

Grace + Truth + Time

 

In Luke 13:6-9 Jesus tells a parable about a languishing fig tree. Frustrated with its lack of production, the vineyard owner tells his gardener to “cut it down!” However, the master gardener suggests a different plan. He says, ‘Let me dig around the tree and fertilize it. Then, let’s give it some time.’ Christian author and psychologist Dr. Henry Cloud suggests the gardener’s action plan reflects the way God works to restore languishing places in our life. First, we need God’s truth to dig beneath the surface into the root systems of our soul. Second, we need the unmerited favor of God’s grace to fertilize our hearts. Third, we need to allow God time to work. Grace+Truth+Time. If you missed yesterday’s message, you can catch it here.

 

I look forward to continuing our sermon series, entitled “A Church that Heals” next week with a look at the importance of relational connection in the process of God’s healing.