Elder's Corner 3/1/25

By Kevin Sheets

 Words Were "Ruined" for You by the Church?
While researching a topic for a sermon one night, I came across a discussion group titled "What Words Were Ruined for You by the Church." Sadly, it turned into a discussion of why people would never return to church or what wrongs were done to them, mainly at a young age. Many reasons were based on two things: 1) church member actions and 2) words.  Some of the most vile and angry comments are focused on two simple words: “Blessings” and “Guilt.”  “Faith” and “Love” are next on the hit list. Do we, as Christians, portray these words in a demanding, forced, overbearing way?  It made me think of the apostle Paul and his advice in 1 Corinthians 13.  Paul tells us how to live and love. As Christians, we must remember and practice these words.  Please read 1 Corinthians 13; I like reading this in the Message Bible. It brings it home in very understandable language.