I have been in some small-group situations myself where my own doubt and pain were regarded as ridiculous. The response was either to be prayed over for immediate healing that the orator was absolutely certain would come (it did not), or a hasty change of topic. These responses were uncomfortable at the time and damaging in retrospect. I believe in miraculous healing, but it did not come for me, and that's okay! It's so important to hear out those doubts and questions, especially when someone is struggling with or just discovering their faith. If we don't honor those experiences we just push them away.
Right! It's so easy to make someone feel like they aren't a Christian when we act that way towards them! It's frustrating to hear about, let alone be in that situation. We need to be careful to let people explore within safe boundaries.
Beautiful! This is important stuff.
I have been in some small-group situations myself where my own doubt and pain were regarded as ridiculous. The response was either to be prayed over for immediate healing that the orator was absolutely certain would come (it did not), or a hasty change of topic. These responses were uncomfortable at the time and damaging in retrospect. I believe in miraculous healing, but it did not come for me, and that's okay! It's so important to hear out those doubts and questions, especially when someone is struggling with or just discovering their faith. If we don't honor those experiences we just push them away.
Right! It's so easy to make someone feel like they aren't a Christian when we act that way towards them! It's frustrating to hear about, let alone be in that situation. We need to be careful to let people explore within safe boundaries.