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Faith Filled Friday

3/30/2017

5 Comments

 
"You can't love the groom, but hate the bride."
I heard a very wise friend of mine say that the other day and it absolutely wrecked me. In one simple phrase I was hit with not sweet and gentle conviction, but deep-rooted stomach-turning type conviction. 

I have never been the cynical type. I naturally tend to see the positive things in life. And, I certainly don't spend much time in the negative things. What good does that do? 

Yet, unknown to me, I have spent the last few months stuck in a rut of cynicism. As I heard my friend say that, I realized that I have been focusing on the negative aspects of my local church. "Why don't they do this?" "How could they dare to spend money like that?" 

Cynicism. Negativity. Judgemental. Hate. 

Somehow, I let all of those words take over a part of my heart. It was like I had glasses on that could only see the bad parts of my church. 

​So deeply I heard that phrase, "you can't love the groom, but hate the bride." Jesus is the groom. The church, US, we are the bride. By feeling so skeptical of what was around me I had nothing but hatred in my heart. 

Hate does not honor God. Ever. 

Christine Caine spoke at our Young Adults ministry not that long ago. She told a story about how she had been with the same church for 25 years. When people ask her how or why she could be at one church for so long she always answers with the same, "better disfunction that I know then disfunction that I don't."

Our churches aren't perfect... they're led by imperfect people. There IS a time and place to be skeptical. But please learn from my mistakes and don't let it take over your heart. 

Tell God how much you love Him. Reflect back to Him, His glory and His honor. Then, spend some time praying if there is something in His bride that you should love better (or if you're like me hate less). Ask Him to change your heart. To make you more like Him. 
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We exist to glorify God, to display His heart and character. And I just love how we are all uniquely built to do that. So every Friday I want to give you, uniquely designed by God, an opportunity to link up your thoughts on God, art, baking, photography, parenting, marriage, homeschooling, writing or blogging and more if they tie into or display the Lord somehow. 

​Here's how it works.
1. Link up as many blog posts as you want below by clicking the link below and following the prompts. (Perhaps think of old posts you want more exposure to as well as new ones.)

2. Let your readers know by including a link at the bottom of your post (or somewhere on your side bar) or paste my button code (found below and on the side bar).

3. Take a minute to visit and comment on another sweet lady or two's post. You're encouragement might be just what she needs to keep pressing on in being a voice in the darkness.

About Jacque

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Jacque is the Missional Women Intern and a college student in Denver, CO who balances her time between trying to go to class and learning about His saving grace and perfect love as much as she can.  She is a twenty something, DIY attempting, Jesus loving, Denver living, small town rooted, Colorado sports fan.  She loves black coffee, long conversations and watching people do what God created them for. You can find her Christian Twenty Somethings blog at Desperately Dependent.

5 Comments
Melissa Wentzel Horan link
3/31/2017 06:46:51 am

What a beautiful phrase and sentiment! I get lots of well-intentioned but misinformed questions about the Catholic Church. I struggle to convey that I love the Church without loving or endorsing everything it does or has done. Part of my faith in Christ in faith His ability to work through imperfect people and imperfect institutions. Thank you for this faithful reflection!

Reply
Jacque K.
4/2/2017 07:49:55 am

Hey Melissa,

I love the way you said that. Because how much of an ABILITY is it?! Just think if you had to do all of your daily tasks by giving directions to your two year old... frustrating! God does an incredible job, doesn't He?! Thanks for visiting the LinkUp!

Reply
Sue Moore Donaldson link
3/31/2017 09:35:06 am

Love that quote!! I may need to insta it - we are so quick - we as in I - to judge and critique yet we say we love the groom. blessings on you and your family this rich day of living!

Reply
Jacque K.
4/2/2017 07:51:33 am

Right! If you're a foot in the Kingdom of God it is impossible to fully understand a hand... so we critique! Funny isn't it?

Reply
Donna Reidland link
4/3/2017 04:55:53 pm

We have been at the same church for about 18 years and I have to admit there have been times when we've been tempted to cut and run. And ... when my attitude was not what it should be. That is, indeed, a very convicting quote. Thanks for sharing and hosting!

Reply



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    I'm Laura the founder of Missional Women and this is my sweet friend, Lyli. We host a link up for bloggers every Friday and look forward to having you join us. But before you go, look around, we are here to glorify God and be a blessing to you.
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  • Home
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      • Bible Study Resources
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    • Missional Women Equipping
    • Contributors
    • Statement of Faith
    • Free eBooks >
      • Ministry Resources for Women eBook
      • Leading Effective Bible Studies
      • Missional Life Book
    • Missional Women Bible Studies >
      • The Book of John Video Series
      • 1st Samuel {Beholding Him, Becoming Missional}
      • Judges {A Devotional Journey through Judges}
    • Giant Blog Hop Link Ups List
  • Blog
    • Ministry >
      • Evangelism {Win}
      • Discipleship {Build} >
        • Foundations
      • Living Missionally {Send}
      • Ministry Resources for Women
    • God's Word >
      • Bible Study
      • Prayer
      • Devotionals
      • Bible Studies
      • Apologetics
    • Relationships >
      • Marriage
      • Singleness
      • Dating
      • Family
      • Friendship
    • World >
      • Social Justice Issues
      • Internet & Social Media
      • Politics
      • International
      • Science Revealing God
    • Life >
      • Image & Idenity
      • Health
      • Fashion
      • Food
      • Organization
    • Faith Filled Friday Blog Link Up
  • Bible Study Resources
  • Video Bible Studies
    • Matthew
    • John
    • Galatians
    • Philippians
    • Know your Purpose
    • Creation Reveals
    • Ministry
    • Heart Growth
  • Prints
  • Quiet Time Journals
  • Courses
    • Women's Ministry Training Promo
    • Women's Ministry Training
    • Growing in Your Faith Mini Course
    • Discover God's Calling Course
  • Store
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