Lately, I have learned of several instances of sexual abuse in the Church. Some by friends of mine, people I've known for years. I've been reeling, trying to wrap my brain around why in the world people who claim to love the Lord make such poor choices with their lives. Choices that lead themselves, their families, and those under their spiritual care down a long painful road. I'm especially bothered that these sins take place in the church, not that any of us are above temptation, we are not. But being in a place of leadership grants you access to trusting people......women, children, families who enter a church thinking they are in a safe place.
If you are one of these people struggling with impurity, seek help. Go to someone who you trust and confess you sin. God will forgive and cleanse you.
If you know someone who is in sin, and is a believer, follow the Matthew 18 strategy. Go to that person, confront them. If he/she listens to you, repents, and seeks forgiveness, healing, and restoration, great, you have "won your brother" and fulfilled your responsibility as a Christian to help restore a fallen brother or sister. (Has someone confided a struggle with sin to you? That could be a cry for help, don't let the opportunity pass by.) If they don't respond, go to their authority and report your knowledge. Someone's marriage could be saved by this, or a child's purity could be preserved. Conflict is never comfortable, but someone has to stand up and say "this is wrong!". Healing doesn't take place in the dark. Bringing sin into the light is the first step toward restoration.
Jesus said in Matthew 10:34 that he did not come to bring "peace" but a "sword". In order to get to the place of peace, there sometimes has to be some sharp pursuit. Things have to be revealed, discussed, addressed. Being a peacemaker and an encourager isn't always about flowery words, but often involves presenting a challenge.
"Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they shall be called the sons of God."
Matthew 5:9
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