Creating a Secure CHURCH
PART 2 : Secure in Relationships
Chapter 5 : Togetherness & Unity
5.2 The Potential of Togetherness
When we work to overcome our desire to flee our ‘difficult people’ we find the exact opposite effects happening:
• a sense of unity,
• a lifting up in encouragement,
• maintaining the truth about who we are and what has happened to us as we share truth about each other,
• good thoughts about others who are blessing us,
• a desire to persevere and grow,
• a sense of purpose,
• a feeling that God is close at hand as He is able to express Himself through those nearest to you,
• strengthening of faith
On the Defence
If we are one of those ‘difficult people’, people who are different because they are still working out issues in their lives (does that miss anybody out?), if we are ignored, rejected or isolated, the following are common thoughts that can go through our minds:
• I can manage on my own
• No one understands
• No one cares
• No one else has gone through this
• I’ve failed, I’m guilty
• I’m too busy
• I’m too tired
These are defensive, destructive words, words that come in isolation and words that cause isolation.
Words of Encouragement
In the secure church, however, we can hear the following words:
• Can I help?
• I think I understand
• Tell me how you feel
• Can I pray with you?
• Would you like to come round?
• I can make time
These are words that build, support, encourage and open up hurting people.
