fellowship
Henry Blackaby says, “As a pastor, I always prayed and then went to talk with them (people having problems with the church). I had a responsibility to bring all members of our church into a deeper relationship with Christ. If I saw them not walking with Him, then I would risk everything to go and talk with them. And if they are Christians and they become offended, we will make up in heaven.”
Scripture says that “as far as you are able, be at peace with all men.” There are several different responses when you talk with people about issues. Obviously the best is for the people with issues to come together and deal with the problem and get it over with. Some people hold grudges and will never get over it, some people will hear you and walk away, then there are those who genuinely will hear and seek to be at peace. Relationships either build or destroy the church. I believe there is no in between. If your people are loving each other the church can move forward. But if people are gossiping, back-biting, or even just ignoring each other at best the church will stagnate.
When the church stagnates there may appear to be life. But in life, stagnation is death, spiritually, emotionally, physically. When you stagnate you are dead and you may not even know it because no one has pushed you over yet. The church is supposed to grow. Not from transfers but from leading others to Christ. It’s all about relationships. Lead people to healthy relationships, the church will grow.
And I love the conclusion that Dr. Blackaby makes, “if they become offended, we will make up in heaven.” You be at peace. You’ll sleep better.
