MOST RECENT MESSAGE
Navigating Hurt in the Church
2 Corinthians 7:2-16 takes us into the heart of what it means to navigate hurt within our relationships, especially within the church community. We discover that disappointment is inevitable wherever people gather—in families, friendships, marriages, and yes, even among believers. The Apostle Paul's experience with the Corinthian church mirrors our own struggles: he poured his life into this community, only to be rejected and replaced by those offering more superficial attractions. Yet his response teaches us three essential pathways to restoration. First, we learn to remain hopeful and optimistic even when wounded, refusing to let hurt define our disposition toward others. Second, we see the power of coming alongside those who have hurt us, offering comfort rather than condemnation—just as Titus did for the Corinthians. Finally, and perhaps most critically, we encounter the distinction between worldly sorrow and godly sorrow. Worldly sorrow is self-centered, focused on embarrassment or consequences, while godly sorrow produces genuine repentance that transforms our lives. The examples of Judas versus Zacchaeus illustrate this dramatically: one led to death, the other to restoration and radical change. This message challenges us to examine our own responses to conflict and ask whether we're willing to be a breath of fresh air or a foul stench in our relationships. The ultimate fruit of authentic repentance is refreshing—for ourselves and for those around us.
