Instead, it would seem like, on the whole, it’s a place where we hide behind masks and pretend we have it all together. We allow the shame of our past to dictate our present relationships. The Bible doesn’t tell us to pretend. In fact, I love the rawness of the stories in the Bible. Every so-called “taboo” issue is on full display, from abuse to rape to infidelity to family squabbles. This is the very reason why we all need Jesus. He came to the sick, not the “perfect”. He can only redeem our mess as we get open & honest before Him & others.
So why are we afraid to be real before God and one another? Maybe we need to allow for honest discussions when we gather. We will suddenly realise we are not alone and that so many others are struggling. This will create empathy, healing, and hope.
Can we allow space for honest prayers of lament (the honest vocalisation of our pain & grief). God wants raw & real. He wants to hear the depth of our suffering. He wants us to complain, get mad and tell Him how much it hurts. He hears the cry of the brokenhearted. After all, this is what we read in so many of the Psalms. It’s time to do away with the masks and become a church community that allows time to listen to the pain of others. This will allow healing. And remember… listen to love them, not to “fix” them.