With some of the highest abuse rates in the world, the Pacific Islands need healing. There are so many stories of brokenness and the good news is that Jesus wants to heal, not just individuals but whole communities. Recently I preached on 3 ways we can begin the healing journey.
- Listen to the voices & stories of those who have suffered.
In order to heal, we must share our stories and it’s important that those sharing can be heard and listened to. The book of Lamentations gives voice to the suffering and so should we in our churches. Maybe we need less preaching and more listening to those who have suffered! - Weep with those who weep.
It’s a beautiful thing when someone sits in your pain with you and weeps. Jesus wept, He felt, He wasn’t afraid of brokenness. Tears have healing components. When we create space and time to listen and weep with the abused healing flows. - Repent.
Repentance acknowledges the wrong instead of sweeping it under the carpet. Repentance releases the spirit of God so reconciliation flows.
As church leaders, we need to understand the context in which we are leading. Our people and communities are broken. Let’s lead them to healing.