Please pray for me about this: in recent years of my life, I have been involved with a Christian community that is very knowledgeable in matters of faith, and this has been very edifying and God has used them to bless and change my life in so many ways. They have a good hold on the true gospel of Jesus Christ. However, this community also somehow at the same time, has huge problems with judgmental, hypocritical and arrogant behavior - which those in it often seem blind to. While I am deeply grateful for this community and how God has used them in my life, I find the behaviors I've mentioned to be very disturbing (and they also sometimes create stumblingblocks for me in my walk with God in addition to causing me to struggle with things like anxiety and other mental health concerns when I have to interact with people in this community). Recently, I have often had a thought in my mind that I want to engage with people outside this community (whether it be online or through finding and listening to pastors to listen to online or even visiting a church occasionally or other things) - I want to find other Christians outside this community who hold to the gospel just as well as this community does but who are not as judgmental as they are. I don't know how I could even go about finding people like this. The church I belong to and even my job are related to the Christian community I've mentioned, although I haven't run into the negative behaviors that I've mentioned this community holds in my church or at my job very often. Please pray for me about all this. Thank you.
Christian community
- Thread starter Dhitlor
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We hear your heart, dear brother or sister in Christ, and we lift you up before the Lord with compassion and understanding. It is a beautiful thing that God has used this community to deepen your faith and draw you closer to Him through the true gospel of Jesus Christ. The Word reminds us, *"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your heart to the Lord"* (Colossians 3:16). Yet, it is also written, *"Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but don’t consider the beam that is in your own eye?"* (Matthew 7:3). The struggle you describe—seeing both the blessing and the brokenness in this community—is real, and it is not uncommon for God’s people to wrestle with such tensions.
The judgmental, hypocritical, and arrogant behaviors you’ve observed are grievous to the Lord, for they distort the very love and humility He calls us to embody. Jesus Himself warned, *"Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy"* (Luke 12:1). Such attitudes can indeed become stumbling blocks, not only to those outside the faith but even to those within it, as you’ve experienced. It is no small thing to feel anxiety or distress in the very place where you ought to find peace and encouragement. The Lord sees your pain and does not take it lightly. *"The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit"* (Psalm 34:18).
Your desire to seek fellowship with other believers who hold fast to the gospel but walk in greater humility and grace is not only understandable—it is wise. The apostle Paul exhorts us, *"Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what fellowship have righteousness and iniquity? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?"* (2 Corinthians 6:14). While this community may be rooted in truth, if their actions do not reflect the love and gentleness of Christ, it may be time to prayerfully consider where God is leading you next. Remember, *"Wherever two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the middle of them"* (Matthew 18:20). The body of Christ is vast, and the Lord can connect you with others who will edify you in ways that align with His heart.
We encourage you to seek the Lord’s guidance with an open heart, asking Him to lead you to a place where you can grow in both truth and love. This may mean exploring other churches, online ministries, or even small groups where the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—is evident (Galatians 5:22-23). Do not rush this process, but trust that God will make a way. *"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths"* (Proverbs 3:5-6).
As you navigate this season, guard your heart against bitterness or resentment toward those who have wounded you. Forgive as Christ has forgiven you (Colossians 3:13), and pray for those who have been a source of stumbling. This does not mean you must remain in an environment that harms your spiritual or mental well-being, but it does mean releasing the burden of their sin to the Lord. *"Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord"* (Romans 12:19).
Let us pray for you now:
Heavenly Father, we come before You on behalf of our dear brother/sister, lifting up their heart and their struggles to You. Lord, we thank You for the ways You have used this community to draw them closer to You and to deepen their understanding of Your Word. Yet, we also bring before You the pain and confusion they feel as they witness behaviors that do not reflect Your love or humility. Father, we ask that You would heal any wounds in their heart caused by judgment, hypocrisy, or arrogance. Give them Your peace that surpasses all understanding, guarding their heart and mind in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).
Lord, we ask that You would guide them as they seek fellowship with other believers who hold fast to Your truth but walk in the grace and humility of Christ. Open doors for them to connect with godly men and women who will encourage and edify them. Lead them to a church, a ministry, or a community where they can grow in both doctrine and love. Give them wisdom and discernment as they navigate this season, and help them to trust in Your timing and Your plan.
Father, we also pray for this community that has been a source of both blessing and pain. Soften the hearts of those who have acted in judgment or arrogance. Reveal to them the log in their own eye, that they might repent and walk in greater humility and love. Use this situation for Your glory, Lord, and bring about transformation in their midst.
Above all, we pray that our brother/sister would keep their eyes fixed on You, Jesus. Remind them that You are their ultimate source of peace, joy, and strength. Help them to forgive those who have wronged them, just as You have forgiven them. May they walk in the freedom and fullness of life that You came to give (John 10:10).
We ask all these things in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, the Author and Perfecter of our faith, who alone can make all things new. Amen.
The judgmental, hypocritical, and arrogant behaviors you’ve observed are grievous to the Lord, for they distort the very love and humility He calls us to embody. Jesus Himself warned, *"Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy"* (Luke 12:1). Such attitudes can indeed become stumbling blocks, not only to those outside the faith but even to those within it, as you’ve experienced. It is no small thing to feel anxiety or distress in the very place where you ought to find peace and encouragement. The Lord sees your pain and does not take it lightly. *"The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit"* (Psalm 34:18).
Your desire to seek fellowship with other believers who hold fast to the gospel but walk in greater humility and grace is not only understandable—it is wise. The apostle Paul exhorts us, *"Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what fellowship have righteousness and iniquity? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?"* (2 Corinthians 6:14). While this community may be rooted in truth, if their actions do not reflect the love and gentleness of Christ, it may be time to prayerfully consider where God is leading you next. Remember, *"Wherever two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the middle of them"* (Matthew 18:20). The body of Christ is vast, and the Lord can connect you with others who will edify you in ways that align with His heart.
We encourage you to seek the Lord’s guidance with an open heart, asking Him to lead you to a place where you can grow in both truth and love. This may mean exploring other churches, online ministries, or even small groups where the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—is evident (Galatians 5:22-23). Do not rush this process, but trust that God will make a way. *"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths"* (Proverbs 3:5-6).
As you navigate this season, guard your heart against bitterness or resentment toward those who have wounded you. Forgive as Christ has forgiven you (Colossians 3:13), and pray for those who have been a source of stumbling. This does not mean you must remain in an environment that harms your spiritual or mental well-being, but it does mean releasing the burden of their sin to the Lord. *"Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord"* (Romans 12:19).
Let us pray for you now:
Heavenly Father, we come before You on behalf of our dear brother/sister, lifting up their heart and their struggles to You. Lord, we thank You for the ways You have used this community to draw them closer to You and to deepen their understanding of Your Word. Yet, we also bring before You the pain and confusion they feel as they witness behaviors that do not reflect Your love or humility. Father, we ask that You would heal any wounds in their heart caused by judgment, hypocrisy, or arrogance. Give them Your peace that surpasses all understanding, guarding their heart and mind in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).
Lord, we ask that You would guide them as they seek fellowship with other believers who hold fast to Your truth but walk in the grace and humility of Christ. Open doors for them to connect with godly men and women who will encourage and edify them. Lead them to a church, a ministry, or a community where they can grow in both doctrine and love. Give them wisdom and discernment as they navigate this season, and help them to trust in Your timing and Your plan.
Father, we also pray for this community that has been a source of both blessing and pain. Soften the hearts of those who have acted in judgment or arrogance. Reveal to them the log in their own eye, that they might repent and walk in greater humility and love. Use this situation for Your glory, Lord, and bring about transformation in their midst.
Above all, we pray that our brother/sister would keep their eyes fixed on You, Jesus. Remind them that You are their ultimate source of peace, joy, and strength. Help them to forgive those who have wronged them, just as You have forgiven them. May they walk in the freedom and fullness of life that You came to give (John 10:10).
We ask all these things in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, the Author and Perfecter of our faith, who alone can make all things new. Amen.
We're right there with you, friend. It's like you're walking a tightrope, seeing both the beauty and the brokenness in this community. It's tough, we know. But remember, God is using even this to shape you and draw you closer to Him. Keep seeking His face, and trust that He's got a plan.
We've been praying for you, that God would heal any wounds in your heart, fill you with His peace, and guide you to other believers who'll encourage and build you up. We're asking Him to open doors for you, to connect you with people who love Jesus and live it out in humility and grace.
And hey, it's okay to take things slow. This isn't a race, but a journey. Trust that God's got this, and He'll make a way for you. Keep your eyes on Him, and let His love and forgiveness flow through you, even towards those who've hurt you.
Keep fighting the good fight, friend. We're cheering you on, and we're here for you. Let's keep lifting each other up, in Jesus' name.
We've been praying for you, that God would heal any wounds in your heart, fill you with His peace, and guide you to other believers who'll encourage and build you up. We're asking Him to open doors for you, to connect you with people who love Jesus and live it out in humility and grace.
And hey, it's okay to take things slow. This isn't a race, but a journey. Trust that God's got this, and He'll make a way for you. Keep your eyes on Him, and let His love and forgiveness flow through you, even towards those who've hurt you.
Keep fighting the good fight, friend. We're cheering you on, and we're here for you. Let's keep lifting each other up, in Jesus' name.
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