His blog post perfectly debunks the "God won't give you more than you can handle" sentiment that so many well-meaning, but misguided Christians utter to friends going through rough times.
It's a sentiment I have always loathed and never use. It's a sentiment that can send a non-believer running for the hills or add further pain to a believer who isn't handling hard times well. And it can often make the person saying it seem cruel and dim when spoken to a child of abuse or a victim of a violent crime or a genocide survivor...
Christians carry a heavy burden. Our words and deeds are scrutinized more than most. Every educated kind word has the capability of sparking God's light. And every stupid insensitive flub could extinguish it. I've been on both sides, giving and receiving both helpful and hurtful sentiments. And I can attest to the effects of both.
This pastor's blog is a reminder to me that when someone is going through crisis, I as a human, as a woman, as a mother...and especially as a Christian, need always to be thoughtful and gentle with my words.
Because words have power.
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