Healing and Ronciliation

A congregation which has lived through some manner of internal political turmoil will find itself in need of "healing and reconciliation." Any number of books and seminars are available on this topic; consultants and specialized pastors can be utilized to facilitate the process.

But be aware: this is not an easy or painless process. The words "healing and reconciliation" sound nice to us, but getting there may require blood, toil, tears, and sweat. In fact, the healing and reconciliation process may be as agonizing as the unhealthy behaviors which caused the rift in fellowship to begin with.

Be encouraged, however: this pain is at least purposeful. It is moving you in the correct direction, and to the extent that you encourage healthy conflict to replace dysfunctional sniping, you will be in harmony with God's Spirit, and He will empower you to make progress.

Healing is painful, but the pain of healing is more constructive than the pain of sinful power struggles.

Pray Hard?

Often heard: when someone is very ill and near death, when a potential disaster looms over a population center, or in a moment of personal crisis - this phrase, “pray hard!”

The mind conjures up visions of a devout Christian, perhaps on her or his knees, drops of sweat on his brow, agonized in soul, begging God for His intervention. Surely this is the action which reveals true piety; surely we ought to mimic our understanding of how Jesus prayed in Gethsemane.

Or perhaps not.

So often the first words of Jesus, or the angels He sends, are: “Do not be afraid! Peace be with you!” The lack of fear and the presence of peace are the fruit of the Spirit.

Whether we pray for minutes or hours, should that not be primarily the experience of speaking with the One Who loves us? The One Who reminds us that we will be preserved through the various trials and tribulations which attack us? Ought prayer to be time when God unburdens us, by taking “all our cares upon Him, because He cares for” us?

The people for whom I pray may be traumatized, the situations I bring before God’s listening ear may be traumatic, but the experience of prayer is not trauma. It is peace in the midst of that trauma, which restores my soul.

So don’t pray hard. Pray easy!

Let God’s peace fill your soul as you speak with Him about even the most painful things. Know that He already knows everything. Pray easy!