Loving Jesus but Hating the Church

 For some reason, the title of this blog has stuck with me for a few days.  I've heard sentiments like it phrased in several different ways.  And, of course, there are rebuttals.

But I began to question if such a thing is possible.

And I know that oftentimes our rebuttals to such things tend to be quite soft; intended to change minds and "win" someone over.

But I wonder if the reality is a bit harsher.

I wonder if the response to this isn't more a matter of laying down the law.

Because I think the reality is this: if you don't love the church, you don't love Jesus.

Because when you love Jesus, you love the church.

The church has been and will continue to be the "bride of Christ."

And ugly bride though she may be, for the criticisms of the church are often dead accurate, she is still the bride of Christ.

And Christ loves her.  Warts and all.

Just like Christ loves us, warts and all.

And that is, I think, central to the matter.  For oftentimes, a distaste of the church is rooted in a sense of moral superiority.  It's rooted in a sense of finger pointing.  It's rooted in a sense of self-righteousness.  It's rooted in a lack of forgiveness.

And I know that people have been hurt by the church.  I know that people have been hurt by people in the church.  I know that people have been hurt by leaders in the church.

So have I.  

So.  Have.  I.

I still bear a few wounds that are not completely healed as well as some major scars.  I have been falsely accused of things.  I have had my reputation drug through the mud.  I have had my family attacked.  Rumors spread about my supposed infidelity.  Children called unspeakable names.  All by "upstanding church members."  And I have had church leaders shrug their shoulders, offer little to no support and be all too happy when I pulled my stakes and headed to a different venue.  I have every reason to dislike the church and some of the people in it.

But I can't love Jesus and not love the church.

Because all of those things that were done to me, at some point in my life, I am sure that I have done to others; and not only done to others but done to Christ Himself.  

And despite my callousness towards Christ, He has never stopped loving me.

He has never turned His back on me

He has never rejected me.

He has only and ever reached out his arms and died for me.

He has only and ever forgiven  me

He has only and ever extended grace to me and a love that is completely and totally undeserved.

Can I do anything less for His bride?