That’s what the Lord gave me to say…

An elderly woman minister publicly spoke harshly to a woman. During the humiliation, the elder suggested the woman is overweight because of over eating.

The woman explained to the elder that she doesn’t over eat. The elders response, “that’s what the Lord gave me to say.” Hmm?

Was this a form of abuse, offense, visual mis-conception on the elders part, did God say this? I’m just asking.

”A brother offended is harder to win over than a fortified city, And contentions [separating families] are like the bars of a castle,” (Proverbs 18:19).

When a false statement is publicly spoken in what should be the most sacred place to worship, a place where people seek truth, it can be seen as a stigma that never leaves the mind and opinion of the hearer(s). The magnitude of shame can isolate an individual from spiritual growth as they separate from the environment which the damage happened.

Will this separate the woman from the church, family of Christ? I hope it doesn’t separate her from God.

Mental abuse and offenses has happened in churches for many years. Some leaders or self called ministers publicly blurt out assumptions or non-factual information and when it’s not confirmed, or rejected, their response, well, God said it.

Where is accountability? God doesn’t lie, nor does He misinterpret words of wisdom or prophecies.

The woman’s son responded that the elderly woman embarrassed and hurt his mother.

Some ministers that learn what they’ve said was false apologize and others not.

The love of Christ teaches us to value one another’s soul and not to be injurious… distracting a person’s innocence and peace.

“The one who loves and unselfishly seeks the best for his [believing] brother lives in the Light, and in him there is no occasion for stumbling or offense [he does not hurt the cause of Christ or lead others to sin],” (1 John 2:10).

I’m an advocate for respecting elders, and healthy eating, but respect works both ways.

“Then let us not criticize one another anymore, but rather determine this—not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block or a source of temptation in another believer’s way,” (Romans 14:13).

In the chapter, Paul explained, Jews verses the gentiles different eating habits… don’t allow it to be a stumbling block distancing their relationship. The kingdom of God is about “righteousness, peace, love, and joy, in the Holy Spirit… not to search for reasons to cause your brother or sister to stumble and turn to the sins of this world.

There was no quarreling, bickering, fighting, deception, hatred in the elderly woman’s statement… simply misinformation.

“So then, let us pursue [with enthusiasm] the things which make for peace and the building up of one another [things which lead to spiritual growth],”

(Romans 14:19).

If we thrive to build one another in the faith of God, there is no room for criticism... I’m just saying!

~SAR~