Cracked but Called – Loving the Church Through Imperfection

Focus Scripture

"Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it." – 1 Corinthians 12:27

"Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins." – 1 Peter 4:8

"Bear with each other and forgive one another... Forgive as the Lord forgave you." – Colossians 3:13

Thoughts

The Church is not perfect. It never has been. It's made up of broken, flawed people—just like you and me. And sometimes that brokenness spills over in painful ways: gossip, judgment, pride, exclusion, or spiritual immaturity.

I know this firsthand because I’ve walked away from churches that hurt me. I’ve left pews still carrying offense in my heart. In those moments, I convinced myself I was protecting my peace—but what I really did was disconnect from the very body God designed to bring healing.

Looking back, I realize leaving wasn’t the right answer. Avoidance didn’t restore anything—it just left space for bitterness to take root.

Jesus still calls the Church His Bride (*Ephesians 5:25–27*). He laid down His life for her—not because she was spotless, but because she was loved. That’s not sentimental love—it’s sacrificial, redemptive love.

Pastor John MacArthur once said, "The Church is not a place to be entertained, but a place to be equipped.” But equipping doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens when imperfect people come together in humility, grace, and love.

Yes, the Church has cracks. But it's often through those very cracks that God's light shines the brightest.

Walking away may feel easier in the moment, but grace asks us to stay—to forgive, grow, and be part of God’s redemptive work through His imperfect Church. Jesus hasn’t given up on her—and neither should we.

Life Application

If you’ve been hurt by the Church, you’re not alone. But what if God wants to redeem that pain, not through separation, but restoration?

Ask yourself: Am I avoiding community because of past wounds? Am I expecting perfection from people Jesus is still perfecting?

The Church isn’t a museum of saints—it’s a hospital for sinners. And sometimes the healing starts when we stop running and start forgiving.

Closing Prayer

Lord, thank You for loving Your Church, even in her imperfection. Forgive me for the times I let hurt drive me away from the very place You called me to grow. Heal the wounds I carry and help me to offer grace, just as You’ve poured grace over me. Use my story, even the broken parts, to help bring restoration within Your Body. Let me love the Church not because she’s flawless, but because she’s Yours. In Jesus’ name, Amen.