Finding Hope and Healing: Encouragement for Those Suspended from Church

This sensation I'm feeling now,  I wish it passes.  I yearn I come out of it grinning. I hope it doesn't devour me. This has been my pillow prayer for days now.

I have been a leader, diligently accomplishing the assignment day and night. I'm obtainable whenever.  It was my availability that earned the unit functionality to date. I was intent, dutiful, and concentrated on the call. 

Then, I was disgracefully suspended?  What transpired?  What did he do? These and more were the inquiries some concerned populace asked. Don't forget the fact that I made some enemies in the congregation because I would dance to their tune of compromise. (currently, it's their time to chuckle at my reproach). 

"He deserved it", "Such a pretentious boy". I was judged like I had leprosy written all over me. It doesn't matter what I did,  as long as I did it, fructification came for me regardless. 

My role was abruptly occupied, and my ideas were transferred as theirs without acknowledgment. I have never felt betrayed and shamed altogether. 

I'm sure you are wondering or already judging also,  he must have done a terrible sin. Yes,  maybe I sinned - where is my place of second chances? 

Experiencing suspension from a unit in church or from the church as a whole can be a very humbling and painful experience for any Christian. It is natural to feel hurt, disappointed, and betrayed, especially if you had been dedicated and committed to the work of God.

However, as believers, we are called to respond to such situations with a Christ-like attitude. We must remember that Jesus himself was also falsely accused, betrayed, and humiliated, yet he responded with love, grace, and forgiveness. Therefore, we must strive to emulate Jesus' example in our response to such situations.

• The first step is to seek an understanding of the reasons for the suspension:

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." - Proverbs 3:5-6

• Maintain a humble and contrite attitude:

"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." - Psalm 34:18

"God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble." - James 4:6

• Continue to seek spiritual guidance and support:

"Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." - Hebrews 10:25

"Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun." - Psalm 37:3-6

• Seek reconciliation with the church community:

"Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First, go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift." - Matthew 5:23-24

"For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins." - Matthew 6:14-15

I want you to know that you are not alone. The pain and confusion you are feeling right now are valid, but it is not the end of your story. Even amid this difficult situation, I encourage you to hold onto hope and trust in God's faithfulness.

Remember that God's love for you is not dependent on your position or title in the church. You are still a beloved child of God, and nothing can change that. Allow yourself to grieve and process your emotions, but also know that God is with you every step of the way.