Interpersonal unity
There are about 20,000 - 30,000 Christian denominations around the world. In the US there are about 1000 recognized Christian denominations, a few of which are Amish, Baptist, Brethren, Catholic, Christian Science, Eastern Orthodox, Lutheran, Methodist, Mormon, Pentecostal, Quaker, Schwenkenfelder, Swedenborgian, Unitarian, and The Way. Within each denomination factions and discord exist. That's a general perspective of the politics within each church, but the same is true on an interpersonal level as well.
We all experience problems, conflicts, and stresses that bring us down and make life difficult. When we turn to the church, we don't always get the help we want or need.
- jumping down people's throats with judgment instead of love
- whipping out scripture without truly empathizing with the person
- giving "Sunday-school" answers
Most people aren't looking for these solutions.
We all have a need for fellowship and accountability, but it is too often missing in the church. Is it because Christianity has no mile-markers of faith, indicators of a God's plan for our study? It seems we are all lost in a sea of promised hope.
Is it because everyone is self-absorbed that no one can bother to really care about someone else? Is it simply a general apathy within the church? Or is it that most Christians really don't feel confident enough in their faith to help someone?
On the other hand, how can I help someone else when I don't have the answers?
We just want someone who will listen, to care, to understand. We want someone who will give a big hug, who will share personal experiences about having the same problem. We just want to be understood and loved.
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