That Hurts...

Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone-especially to those in the household of faith. (Galatians 6:10, NLT)

Tuesday I wrote a blog post entitled, "Cigi Smokers, Scantily Dressed Women, and Alcohol in the Church".

A quick recap of that post, over the last several months while at church I encountered all the above and discussed how each situation was handled. 

But, what about those in church service "of the household of faith". Yes, I know cigarete smokers, scantily dressed women, and alcohol drinkers can also be included in that phrase. I am referring to the ones who are in church service every Sunday, day in and day out, who...from all outward appearances have it all together. 

None of us have it all together and won't until Jesus comes.

What about the other side of Galatians 6:10,  "Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should insure we do not do bad to everyone-especially to those in the household of faith."

That is not good grammar, but the point is solid! Doing nothing is better than doing bad.

While ministering to the ones outwardly hurting, we must be watchful to not overlook those who are of the household of faith (sometimes inwardly hurting).

So many in the household of faith pour out and pour out and pour out, Sunday after Sunday after Sunday, and all through the week,  year after year. 

Let's determine to pour into them!

• Pastors 
• Pastor's Assistants
• Deacons
• Ushers
• Greeters
• Audio/Video Department
• Parking Lot Attendants
• Praise and Worship Team
• Children's Church Teachers
• Nursery Attendants
• Children's Church Teachers
• Nursery Attendants
• Children's Church Teachers
• Nursery Attendants

See the pattern?

Do good, especially to those in the household of faith. Surprise them with a small gift, take someone to lunch, bake them cookies, clean their house, or one room in their house, keep a young mother's small children for an afternoon. Do something for the least of these. (Matthew 25:40) It isn't the amount of the gift, it is the blessing attached to the gift for all involved. It is love.

But, at bear minimum, don't make things worse for those in the household of faith. Church will not "be a army who shoots their own wounded" in the name of Jesus!

One of the seven things the LORD hates/detests is "a person who sows discord in a family" (Proverbs 6:16-23).

So then, as occasion and opportunity open up to us, let us do good [^[a]morally] to all people [not only ^[b]being useful or profitable to them, but also doing what is for their spiritual good and advantage]. Be mindful to be a blessing, especially to those of the household of faith [those who belong to God’s family with you, the believers]. (Galatians 6:10, AMP)

Romans 12:15 tells us to "rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn". It does not say, to rejoice with those who we feel like rejoicing with and mourn with those who we feel like mourning with. (2 Corinthians 5:7)

Here's a few examples:

1. When God does something really great for someone in the household of faith, don't get jealous and offended. REJOICE! Tell them, "Wow it's really an awesome thing God did for you! Since He did it for you, He'll do it for me!" (Acts 10:31) REJOICE! And again I say, REJOICE! (Philippians 4:4)
2. About five years ago, I was ushering at a very large church. The house was jam packed, as it always was. Praise service was "game on" full force. Three new people walked in and I was trying to find them seats. I finally saw three seats down front, second row from the front. However, the empty seats were "split". In other words, there were two empty seats, a woman sitting in a seat, then another empty seat on the other side of her. I gently touched her arm (made sure I had a mint in my mouth) and politely asked her if she could move over one seat so I could seat the family together, who just happened to be standing right behind me. The elderly lady (in other words, old enough to know better…Galatians 5:23) "had a hissy fit". She got mad, grabbed her purse/bible/notebook, complained, and threw her things over. She said, "This is MY seat! I was here FIRST! I ALWAYS sit HERE!" and then she moved. Perhaps it was the mint? This situation definitely made me reevaluate transferring from the ushering department to the nursery department. I told you all that to tell you this. Please make "church workers" service as easy as you possible can and…just…move.  (1 Corinthians 8:13, Mark 9:42)

I know, she was probably having a bad day (obviously). I have no idea what she was dealing with in her life. And thankfully, I had just read, Dr. Larry Ollison's book, "Breaking the Cycle of Offense" so I went to the back of the church and prayed for her…and myself…and for the people sitting next to her all throughout service!

In hindsight, I supposed I should have moved them to other seats...usher epic fail!

A few days ago, my sister and I were discussing how hurt we are as moms when one of our kids are mean to another one of our kids. Imagine God's response when He sees one of His kids being mean to another of His kids...

Give, and you will receive. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back. (Luke 6:38) Can that scripture go beyond a tithe message? (Genesis 8:22) Just a thought...

Father, we thank You for every person who serves in Your house with a servant's heart all for Your glory. We declare The Blessing over each and every one of them. Thank You for blessing them and keeping them! Thank You for making Your face to shine upon them and being gracious to them! Thank You for lifting up Your countenance upon them and giving them peace! We declare supernatural blessings and supernatural energy and strength over them in the name of Jesus! Father, over the coming weeks, we invite You to prompt us by Your Holy Spirit in ways to bless those in the household of faith. Thank You for instructing us in this. Thank You for showing us how to put works with our faith making it life giving! We bless You LORD, You are at the top of our family. We determine not to grieve You but instead to do good to You, in the name of Jesus! We love You Father!

Numbers 6:24-26

Galatians 6:10

Psalm 103:1