This past Sunday the text was Mark 10… Jesus was asked if it lawful to divorce. The Shepherd spoke a bit about the text. Then he asked 2 divorced women to share with the church.
Both ladies shared their personal story of love and marriage, and the commitment to making their marriages succeed. The two stories had many differences, but what was very clear was the desire neither had to be a divorcee. And neither lady felt the Church’s love when she was most vulnerable.
Both ladies spoke of how the Church became a very hard place to be a part of after divorce. Sometimes that is because of unkindness in the church. Part of it is because we are a world organized around a family. But part of it is the confusion the church has about how to minister, how to love, and how to reach out to someone who is not the same. In other words, part of it fault, and part of it is just reality.
The emphasis became compassion. The realization slowly dawned that the divorced are injured enough, we really don’t need to condemn them. And, it even became clear that instead of condemnation, we should offer love, forgiveness, and restoration.
I am sure everyone did not hear what I heard. However, I did hear grace. It was a beautiful gift offered. It is a gift that needs to be shared here. This past Sunday, I felt like it is a possibility that this church can learn grace and extend it.
Change?