Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe to stumble, it would be better for him if, with a heavy millstone hung around his neck, he had been cast into the sea.
Mark 9:42
No matter what happens to me in a church, it was wrong if it caused me to turn away from God. Christians admittedly aren’t perfect, but that’s no excuse for failing to demonstrate Christ’s love. Jesus solemnly warned, “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them if a large millstone were hung around their neck and they were thrown into the sea” (Mark 9:42).
The most important thing is that God loves me, even if I don’t believe it right now. Christians may fail me—but Christ never will, and He alone should be the center and foundation of our faith. Pray as God gives opportunities to take hurtful memories and lay them at the foot of the cross. Then look at Christ, for He alone is our hope.
I often think of the Apostle Paul in this regard. In his last letter he reminded his coworker Timothy that everyone had abandoned him when he was put on trial for his faith. But God didn’t abandon him—nor will He abandon us. Paul wrote, “But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength” (2 Timothy 4:17).
