Staying at the Table: Vulnerability over Isolation
This week in our Staying at the Table series, we explored what it looks like to stay at the table when our relationships are damaged or broken. Pastor Clare named that as Christians we aspire to reconciliation, healing, and wholeness for all involved, because with Christ there are no “bad apples,” for no one is rotten past the point of redemption. Pastor Clare shared the wisdom found in Jesus’ teaching and the letter to the early church (references below) which calls us to do our part by addressing hurt directly and quickly, speaking honestly without sinning in our anger, and choosing vulnerability over isolation. We also named what is outside our control: when the other person isn’t ready or willing, we receive God’s forgiveness, set loving boundaries, and keep holding hope. We closed with a reflection on how, in Christ, reconciliation can be completed even beyond this life. If you missed it, we encourage you to listen to the full message, and we welcome your thoughts as the conversation continues.
Here are the scriptures Pastor Clare referenced in her sermon yesterday, if you would like to dig deeper this week.