Church
- Thread starter Dhitlor
- Start date
We understand your concern and the heaviness of feeling unwelcome or disliked, especially within the body of Christ, where love and unity should abound. The church is called to be a place of refuge, encouragement, and growth in the Lord, and it grieves us to hear when these foundations seem shaken. Let us first remind you of the words of our Lord in John 13:34-35: *"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."* This is the standard by which we are all called to live, and it is the standard by which we must measure our interactions within the church.
It is possible that what you perceive as dislike may be misunderstanding, miscommunication, or even the pastor’s own struggles that have nothing to do with you. However, if there is genuine friction, we must also consider whether there is anything on your part—attitude, words, or actions—that could be contributing to this tension. We say this not to accuse but to encourage self-examination, as Scripture commands in 2 Corinthians 13:5: *"Test your own selves, whether you are in the faith. Examine your own selves."* Are you approaching this situation with humility, patience, and a heart willing to extend grace? Have you sought to serve and encourage others in the church, including the pastor, rather than focusing on how you are being treated? These are important questions to bring before the Lord.
At the same time, we must also acknowledge that pastors, like all of us, are imperfect and can sometimes fail to reflect Christ’s love as they should. If this pastor is truly harboring unjustified dislike toward you, it is a matter for prayer and, if necessary, gentle confrontation. Matthew 18:15-17 outlines the biblical process for addressing conflict within the church: *"If your brother sins against you, go, show him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained back your brother. But if he doesn’t listen, take one or two more with you... If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the assembly."* While this passage deals with sin, the principle of addressing issues directly and biblically applies here as well. However, this should only be done after much prayer and with a heart seeking reconciliation, not accusation.
We also encourage you to examine whether this church is the right place for you and your mother. A healthy church should be a place where you are spiritually nourished, where the Word of God is faithfully preached, and where you can grow in your relationship with Christ. If this environment is consistently hostile or unwelcoming without just cause, it may be wise to prayerfully consider finding a church where you can thrive spiritually. Hebrews 10:24-25 reminds us, *"Let’s consider how to provoke one another to love and good works, not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another; and so much the more, as you see the Day approaching."*
Most importantly, we must remind you that your identity and worth are not found in how a pastor or anyone else treats you—they are found in Christ alone. You are deeply loved by God, who sent His Son to die for you (Romans 5:8). No human’s opinion or treatment of you can change that truth. Cling to this as you navigate this situation, and let it fill you with confidence and peace.
Now, let us pray together for you:
Heavenly Father, we lift up our brother/sister to You today, asking that You would go before him/her as they attend church tomorrow. Lord, we pray that You would soften hearts—both the heart of this pastor and the heart of our brother/sister. If there is any misunderstanding, miscommunication, or sin that needs to be addressed, we ask that You would bring it to light in a way that leads to repentance, forgiveness, and restoration. Father, fill our brother/sister with Your peace, so that they may walk into that church with confidence not in themselves, but in You. Remind them that their worth is found in Christ alone and that no human’s opinion can shake the love You have for them.
We pray that You would give our brother/sister wisdom in how to interact with this pastor and with others in the church. If this church is not the place where You desire them to be, we ask that You would make it clear and open the doors to a church where they can grow, serve, and be loved as You intend. Lord, we also pray for this pastor—if there is any bitterness, prejudice, or hardness in his heart, we ask that You would convict him and draw him to repentance. May he lead with the love and humility of Christ, shepherding Your flock with care and integrity.
Father, we ask that You would use this situation for our brother’s/sister’s good, to refine them, to teach them to rely on You, and to deepen their trust in Your sovereignty. May they leave that church tomorrow with a greater sense of Your presence and purpose in their life, regardless of how others may treat them. We pray all these things in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who alone is our advocate and our peace. Amen.
Finally, we encourage you to continue seeking the Lord in this matter. Spend time in His Word, especially in passages that speak of love, unity, and perseverance (e.g., 1 Corinthians 13, Colossians 3:12-17, James 1:2-4). Trust that God is at work, even in difficult situations, and that He will use this for your growth and His glory. If you feel led, consider speaking with your mother about this as well, seeking her prayer and support. You are not alone in this—God is with you, and we are standing with you in prayer.
It is possible that what you perceive as dislike may be misunderstanding, miscommunication, or even the pastor’s own struggles that have nothing to do with you. However, if there is genuine friction, we must also consider whether there is anything on your part—attitude, words, or actions—that could be contributing to this tension. We say this not to accuse but to encourage self-examination, as Scripture commands in 2 Corinthians 13:5: *"Test your own selves, whether you are in the faith. Examine your own selves."* Are you approaching this situation with humility, patience, and a heart willing to extend grace? Have you sought to serve and encourage others in the church, including the pastor, rather than focusing on how you are being treated? These are important questions to bring before the Lord.
At the same time, we must also acknowledge that pastors, like all of us, are imperfect and can sometimes fail to reflect Christ’s love as they should. If this pastor is truly harboring unjustified dislike toward you, it is a matter for prayer and, if necessary, gentle confrontation. Matthew 18:15-17 outlines the biblical process for addressing conflict within the church: *"If your brother sins against you, go, show him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained back your brother. But if he doesn’t listen, take one or two more with you... If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the assembly."* While this passage deals with sin, the principle of addressing issues directly and biblically applies here as well. However, this should only be done after much prayer and with a heart seeking reconciliation, not accusation.
We also encourage you to examine whether this church is the right place for you and your mother. A healthy church should be a place where you are spiritually nourished, where the Word of God is faithfully preached, and where you can grow in your relationship with Christ. If this environment is consistently hostile or unwelcoming without just cause, it may be wise to prayerfully consider finding a church where you can thrive spiritually. Hebrews 10:24-25 reminds us, *"Let’s consider how to provoke one another to love and good works, not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another; and so much the more, as you see the Day approaching."*
Most importantly, we must remind you that your identity and worth are not found in how a pastor or anyone else treats you—they are found in Christ alone. You are deeply loved by God, who sent His Son to die for you (Romans 5:8). No human’s opinion or treatment of you can change that truth. Cling to this as you navigate this situation, and let it fill you with confidence and peace.
Now, let us pray together for you:
Heavenly Father, we lift up our brother/sister to You today, asking that You would go before him/her as they attend church tomorrow. Lord, we pray that You would soften hearts—both the heart of this pastor and the heart of our brother/sister. If there is any misunderstanding, miscommunication, or sin that needs to be addressed, we ask that You would bring it to light in a way that leads to repentance, forgiveness, and restoration. Father, fill our brother/sister with Your peace, so that they may walk into that church with confidence not in themselves, but in You. Remind them that their worth is found in Christ alone and that no human’s opinion can shake the love You have for them.
We pray that You would give our brother/sister wisdom in how to interact with this pastor and with others in the church. If this church is not the place where You desire them to be, we ask that You would make it clear and open the doors to a church where they can grow, serve, and be loved as You intend. Lord, we also pray for this pastor—if there is any bitterness, prejudice, or hardness in his heart, we ask that You would convict him and draw him to repentance. May he lead with the love and humility of Christ, shepherding Your flock with care and integrity.
Father, we ask that You would use this situation for our brother’s/sister’s good, to refine them, to teach them to rely on You, and to deepen their trust in Your sovereignty. May they leave that church tomorrow with a greater sense of Your presence and purpose in their life, regardless of how others may treat them. We pray all these things in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who alone is our advocate and our peace. Amen.
Finally, we encourage you to continue seeking the Lord in this matter. Spend time in His Word, especially in passages that speak of love, unity, and perseverance (e.g., 1 Corinthians 13, Colossians 3:12-17, James 1:2-4). Trust that God is at work, even in difficult situations, and that He will use this for your growth and His glory. If you feel led, consider speaking with your mother about this as well, seeking her prayer and support. You are not alone in this—God is with you, and we are standing with you in prayer.
We're here with you, friend. We understand that feeling unwelcome in a place where you should find love and support can be heavy. Let's lift this burden together.
First, let's remind ourselves of who we are in Christ. No matter what anyone else thinks or does, we are loved, valued, and cherished by God. He sent His Son to die for us, and that truth remains unshaken. Let's cling to this as we navigate this situation.
Now, let's pray. Father, we come before You today, asking for Your presence and peace to fill our friend as they attend church tomorrow. Lord, we pray for the pastor's heart to be softened, for any misunderstandings or miscommunications to be resolved, and for Your love to flow freely in that church. Give our friend wisdom in how to interact with the pastor and others, and help them to trust in You, regardless of how others may treat them.
Father, if this church is not the right place for our friend, we ask that You would make it clear and open the doors to a church where they can grow, serve, and be loved as You intend. Help them to leave that church tomorrow with a greater sense of Your presence and purpose in their life.
In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Let's continue to stand with you in prayer, friend. Trust that God is at work, even in difficult situations, and that He will use this for your growth and His glory.
First, let's remind ourselves of who we are in Christ. No matter what anyone else thinks or does, we are loved, valued, and cherished by God. He sent His Son to die for us, and that truth remains unshaken. Let's cling to this as we navigate this situation.
Now, let's pray. Father, we come before You today, asking for Your presence and peace to fill our friend as they attend church tomorrow. Lord, we pray for the pastor's heart to be softened, for any misunderstandings or miscommunications to be resolved, and for Your love to flow freely in that church. Give our friend wisdom in how to interact with the pastor and others, and help them to trust in You, regardless of how others may treat them.
Father, if this church is not the right place for our friend, we ask that You would make it clear and open the doors to a church where they can grow, serve, and be loved as You intend. Help them to leave that church tomorrow with a greater sense of Your presence and purpose in their life.
In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Let's continue to stand with you in prayer, friend. Trust that God is at work, even in difficult situations, and that He will use this for your growth and His glory.
The Encourager
The Encourager
I prayed that God in Jesus' name will answer your prayer request according to God's perfect love, wisdom, will, timing, grace, and mercy. God Loves You. Thank You Jesus!!!
Psalm 37:4: Delight yourself in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Matthew 6:33: But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. Bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, acknowledge You in all my ways, and lean not to my own understanding.
God heal me in every area of my life. Deliver and cleanse me of everything in my life that doesn't honor You. Transform and renew my mind. Bless me with love, power, and a sound mind. Let the mind that is in Christ Jesus be in me. Bless me to have and operate with a God solution focused heart, mind, spirit, and attitude. Bless me to have a God Kingdom Culture Mentality. God be with me as a mighty warrior. Let no weapon formed against me prosper. Protect me from all the plans of my enemies and the plans of the enemy of my soul. God, all that I have asked of You, in this prayer, please do the same for the writer of the prayer, all those who love and care about me, and all those I love and care about. God, please forever honor this prayer over each of our lives. God Thank You. Amen, so be it by faith, and by faith, it is so. Prayer written by The Encourager-Prayer Warrior-Board Certified Professional Christian Life Coach. www.theencourager.net
be-an-encourager.blogspot.com
Psalm 37:4: Delight yourself in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Matthew 6:33: But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. Bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, acknowledge You in all my ways, and lean not to my own understanding.God heal me in every area of my life. Deliver and cleanse me of everything in my life that doesn't honor You. Transform and renew my mind. Bless me with love, power, and a sound mind. Let the mind that is in Christ Jesus be in me. Bless me to have and operate with a God solution focused heart, mind, spirit, and attitude. Bless me to have a God Kingdom Culture Mentality. God be with me as a mighty warrior. Let no weapon formed against me prosper. Protect me from all the plans of my enemies and the plans of the enemy of my soul. God, all that I have asked of You, in this prayer, please do the same for the writer of the prayer, all those who love and care about me, and all those I love and care about. God, please forever honor this prayer over each of our lives. God Thank You. Amen, so be it by faith, and by faith, it is so. Prayer written by The Encourager-Prayer Warrior-Board Certified Professional Christian Life Coach. www.theencourager.net
Healed Spirit Soul And Body
Healed Spirit Soul And Body
be-an-encourager.blogspot.com
Cinu
Beloved of All
Lord, we pray for this prayer and family for blessings healing and salvation. Heal and bless. May their lives be a praise and glory unto thee.
Come to the Lord's holy presence. Seek him with all your heart. Cling to his Word and meditate on it moment by moment by positive thoughts and joy in the heart (James 1:2-4), knowing that the Lord is good and to him be all the praise. Seek first God's kingdom and his righteousness (Matthew 6:33). Even though life may feel hard, the Lord's hand will be on you, and he will answer in his time. I am praying for you. Amen.
Some resources that might help.
Needs: - But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19(KJV)
Salvation: - So they said "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved you and your household." Acts 16:31(NKJV)
Healing: - But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:5(NKJV)
Fulfillment by the Holy Spirit: - Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. Zechariah 4:6(KJV)
Persecutions: - But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. Luke 6:27-28(KJV)
Help in Prayer
Dwelling and Thriving in God’s grace where everything happens for good (Romans 8:28)
Pray that the Lord may open the eyes of the nations affected by coronavirus (Specifically forces against God’s people)
sermons
Be a Prayer Warrior: “Praying for others”
Come to the Lord's holy presence. Seek him with all your heart. Cling to his Word and meditate on it moment by moment by positive thoughts and joy in the heart (James 1:2-4), knowing that the Lord is good and to him be all the praise. Seek first God's kingdom and his righteousness (Matthew 6:33). Even though life may feel hard, the Lord's hand will be on you, and he will answer in his time. I am praying for you. Amen.
Some resources that might help.
Needs: - But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19(KJV)
Salvation: - So they said "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved you and your household." Acts 16:31(NKJV)
Healing: - But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:5(NKJV)
Fulfillment by the Holy Spirit: - Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. Zechariah 4:6(KJV)
Persecutions: - But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. Luke 6:27-28(KJV)
Help in Prayer
Dwelling and Thriving in God’s grace where everything happens for good (Romans 8:28)
Pray that the Lord may open the eyes of the nations affected by coronavirus (Specifically forces against God’s people)
sermons
Be a Prayer Warrior: “Praying for others”
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