Show Love; Declare Truth

Pastor closed his sermon yesterday with an incredible element of wisdom, a duel-pronged piece actually.

It basically goes like this.

If a pastor loves his congregation, he will tell them the truth.
If a congregation knows they are loved, they will be able to receive the truth.

Ir got me thinking of some of the outrageous statements that have been made over the years; some of them seemingly not very Scriptural; at least at face value. At other times; they may have sounded right, but they were very off-track. So, I couldn't help but wonder... what happens in the pastor's mind when such statements come forth. Do they think they are telling the truth and are simply missing the mark? Has their personality gotten bigger than the pulpit? Are they reaching for something that shouldn't? Is there truly a breakdown somewhere in the pastor's relationship with those in the pew; that either he doesn't love them as they should or they don't feel loved to receive it?

Conversely, there have been plenty of accounts where the truth has been spoken, and even then, it wasn't well-received by certain people and where are they in life and relationship to God? Your guess is as good as mine.

Love is to be shown as much as it is to be expressed in order to be effective.

So, let's pray, this #seniorPastorMonday, that indeed, pastors would be seekers, lovers and speakers of the truth. Pray for healthy relationships with congregations; they would know they are loved and be able to receive the truth, even when it moves people out of comfort zones and brings conviction. May people not be so quick to run away from the truth, but that they would experience the freedom God intended when it is spoken. Pray for circustances and situations where there needs to be healing and perhaps restoration; where the truth was not spoken in love and damage occurred. May the Holy Spirit do a healing work in the hearts and minds of those affected.

May the family of God
Be known for the love the share
And the truth we speak.
For the glory of God
And the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC