God gave church leaders for the building up of the church “building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood” (Ephesians 4:12–13). Man’s failure doesn’t mean God failed you or that His purposes will fail. He is still accomplishing His purposes for you and this world in spite of sin. Trust Him.

Dear friend hurt by the church,

I weep with you. So do countless others.

What horrible things have been done by those who name the name of Christ! This is the exact opposite of what the church is supposed to do—minister life-giving truth to a sick world and display the manifold wisdom of God to the universe (Ephesians 3:10). Now God’s people hang their heads and the watching world mocks. Undoubtedly, these scandals will shipwreck the faith of many.

Two phrases ring in my mind, “God will not be mocked” (Galatians 6:7) and “Your sin will find you out” (Numbers 32:23).

We all have a thousand questions and want answers that we won’t soon get. Even though it may feel like you’ve been tossed overboard and are drowning in a sea of hurt, lies, and betrayal, you can hold onto these truths:

Sin is serious. We all sin and we are all hurt by sinners. Beware, this hurt may plant the seed of bitterness or unbelief in our heart—exactly what the devil wants. When the pain of being sinned against is great, let us mourn.

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