An Open Letter to the Church in Response to Maddie Zahm's "It Was Me"

[@HowtoFaithALife]

Write your letter to the church here:

[@beckykip4905]

Paul only ONCE calls us out to judge another harshly in the church (1 Corinthian 5) and it was for an obvious sin that would be frowned upon almost universally. However, just like our saviour Jesus, he consistently calls us to LOVE, in every way be peacemakers, and not to cause others to stumble. Let us work on ourselves, and love others and let God work on them!

[@r.j.miller]

After I watched your video I went over to over the song to help me clarify my thoughts. Thank you for making this video! Thank you for your humility in how you addressed this! The song the brought up memories of my first Sunday back in church. The fear as I googled “churches open during Covid ” and went down the list asking Jesus “is this church safe.” I remember the panic attack I had as I walked in the door. I remember the tears than covered my face through the whole service, and doing breathing exercises to keep myself from running out! You see I never walked away from God, we had worked through our bad days and definitely had our cussing matches and pain to process. But walking into a church, not so much. In the middle of Covid Jesus ask me to trust him and go back to church. And for the first time in over 10 years of attending and getting involved with church a pastor ask my name and remembered in the following week! And Jesus lead me to a church who had intentionally worked and strengthened their “Church muscles” of welcoming believers back to a church community. My husband now and I were talking a few months ago what we wanted our future children to leave high school with in the way of faith foundation. And we ended up agreeing on three simple things. 1. Know the Voice of God. And have a growing relationship with all three members of the Trinity 2. Love the word of God and enjoy reading it. 3. Have a bone marrow deep foundation that God loves them and is passionately perusing them and He is completely ok with the time you need to process through the hard things of life. And like every relationship there are amazing seasons, good seasons, and really hard seasons. Over the last 2-3 months I have found my self watching Christians on KZbin. And for the first time engaging with them in the comments. Some conversations have been good. But most have lead me to the cross realizing exactly why this song was written. Jesus once said, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.” (Matt. 19:24.) The American Church is very rich. Economically, yes, but more so theologically and abundance of resources. And often times the American Church acts like the rich young ruler spoken about in the above verse. And I am grieved that I am possibly watching many who attend church in America who are unable to enter the Kingdom of Heaven because they are unable to be poor in Spirit. My deepest desire is to grow in the 3 things my husband and I want for our kids. I probably will not be a Bible scholar. And I most likely will have a way of reading the Bible that drives others crazy. But I want to be humble and hear the voice of God through my Bible and not the voice of theology.

[@jsmith317]

@@r.j.miller Last paragraph (minus the kids we don't have) is exactly my heart, too. A lot of good thoughts and perspectives here.

[@r.j.miller]

@@jsmith317 thank you!

[@casualchatwithamanda5996]

@@r.j.miller absolutely. I love this and so beautifully written. We are way to caught up in theology and whose right and whose not. So much so we are forgetting the very fundamental blocks to our faith and loving Jesus. Jesus told his disciples (not exactly like this, I'm paraphrasing here) fine you want rules. Here they are. Love God with all your heart mind and soul and love one another. Jesus fulfilled the law. He told us what do do. Now we need to do it. Thank you for sharing!

[@sleepyhermit5758]

As an exchristian deeply wounded by the church, know maddi's experience is very real and common among my friends. I love many different christians, but their faith has absolutly horifying consequences, and not just in the way church is done by flawed people, but the Bible itself, taken with generous interpetation, destroys lives.

[@aimeersd]

I relate to Maddie's song so much. I was hurt by the church, hurt by many who are christian and hurt by the teaching. The judgment from it is so real. As an atheist I do hope that more and more christian's work from the inside to fix the hurt and the damage that the church has done and continues to do to so many people. Many forget that Jesus hung out with people who society shunned and looked down on. At the end of god is real and is loving and really cares for us then he would know my heart and know why I am left my faith and the teaching behind.. " If it was god then I don't have to worry he'll know why I left, why i ran in a hurry, So either way I choose I'm not wasting my life cause the voice in my head has always been right."

[@ashleyann18]

don't worry, people like Maddie aren't alone. They don't just depend on themselves. We just don't depend on ourselves. We depend on each other to uplift us, something the church never gave us. I was a radical Christian for the first 20 years of my life. then I finally listened to the voice in my head, that was me, saying this is wrong and I left. I've NEVER regretted my decision, and I never will.

[@michelleelizabeth5268]

I love your passion and love for the church! I was exactly where you are several years ago. I only wanted people to see the live of Jesus, but it kept me from speaking some hard truths. I think we can share the truth in love, with a whole lot of grace, but people will always be offended by the Gospel. I watched many friends walk away from church after high school and 25 years later my heart still breaks for some of them. But not sharing the truth or trying to sugar coat it isn’t helpful. I know that’s not what you are saying we should do, but I think it sort of came across that way at certain points. I love your channel, and think you have such a gift for teaching the Word!

[@Teeny74135]

I spent 58 years trying to save myself and couldn't. Then I woke up and found Jesus. He's saved me from my past and holds me up daily. I think people put too much trust in the church for their healing when all they need to do is open their Bible and let Jesus do the work.

[@sharonrussell1560]

I am conflicted here. Church hurt is real. I have experienced it. I walked away from church for over a decade and my life was far away from God and church. I was miserable and didn't realize it until I did. I knew I needed God and my church family. As you said, we cannot save ourselves. But on the other hand, we can love those in the LGBTQA+ community with a genuine love but its not enough. They want affirmation or nothing( Jen Hatmaker literally said that!! ) . They do not want to hear the Gospel according to Jesus, they want their own self made gospel and god like identity and if the church would preach the softer side of Jesus and leave out the rest, that's even better! We still must press on and show true kindness but don't expect it back if there is no affirmation of their sin. How we treat people matters, we can do better, but we cannot water down the truth and we cannot compromise it.

[@stephanie4772]

Yes this is my thoughts exactly!

[@boxerspause]

I was going to write the exact same thing, but you said it better!

[@angelle07]

I hear what you are saying but I am not sure I agree fully unless I misread (which is completely possible). You grouped a whole group of people together saying they do not want to hear the gospel and they want their own self made gospel. I know many who want to hear the true gospel. And they don't want a self made gospel or god like identity. In general, I think the church overall wants to hear a softer side of Jesus. I think something we as Christians must be careful of is the log vs the splinter in the ole eyeball and we must also be careful not to pick and choose things from the Bible that we feel others are doing so we can point fingers (thou shalt not kill) but not pick things that we ourselves are doing (women should have their hair covered and not wear jewelry or not get a divorce). We should also really look at translations, what was happening at that time in the culture, etc and take that into consideration (all of which Paige has brought out in the past). I think for me what it comes down to is that Jesus said love your neighbors.....and I will do my best to always welcome any to the church, no matter what their race is, what their sexual orientation is, or their political leanings. We are to love our neighbors. That came directly from Jesus' lips and the God I love and the God I worship loves everyone and welcomes all to the table.

[@sharonrussell1560]

@@angelle07 I probably overgeneralized my point. First I absolutely agree that we love our neighbors as we are commanded. And the church is soft on the gospel. It’s mostly to not offend anyone. Sin is offensive to God and it needs to be talked about. Not one particular sin but all sin. My point was that from what I see in the LGBTQA+ community they want a gospel that affirms them not convict them. The gospel should convict us of our sins and give us hope that we can come as you are but not live as you were. It’s to radically change us. And many don’t want to change, they are proud of who they are. They celebrate it. I’m not foolish enough to believe all hold that same pride. My point can be used for anyone and not just one group. Again I think a lot of this is failure on the church that has become soft.

[@kklopez62308]

💯💯💯💯💯💯💯

[@alwayssmiling2010]

So so good, not only did you acknowledge the pain and brokenness but you also reminded us that we don't have to rely on ourselves for healing. I hope she sees this video and the love behind it. May this next generation know how to love and also purse holiness.

[@truckincousin1]

I applaud you for watching a video that made you uncomfortable, I know that's hard. I don't know what Maddie would say, but to me I think the part you're missing is that the experience of those of us who have left the church is different than your experience. I'm so glad you found your faith to be a comfort and support in your darkest moments. But for myself at least (and I know many others), getting to that deepest darkest place showed me that what I'd been taught wasn't working for me. I realized that I can trust myself to take care of my needs, that it's ok to listen to that little voice, that it's always been me. I got to my rock bottom and realized that repairing the severed connection to myself was the only way forward. I know that may sound hopeless and terrifying to you, and that's ok, but try to open your mind to the possibility that faith in God doesn't work for everyone. Some of us were all in, like ALL in, and we didn't feel peace and joy and hope. Some of us feel so much better now that we are learning to listen to ourselves and trust that who we are as people is enough. It's ok if your experience is different, but it's ok if mine is too.

[@robertportillo1207]

I was hurt by my church as a teen/young adult. I turned away from God and the Church for a long time. It was only knowing that God was still with me did I realize that the church is made up of fallible people. I can't expect them to be perfect if I'm struggling with my issues as well. The culture of self that has befallen the world and infected the church is so dangerous to hold onto. Love has become confused with enabling. Following your heart is a terrible idea. The heart is wicked and deceitful above all things. Great video.

[@queenria7]

"The heart is wicked and deceitful above all things" -- but doesn't God write his Law on our hearts in the new covenant?? 🤔🤔🤔

[@KJ-lb4tj]

And.. Love the lord with all your heart. I'm tired of hearing that one quote from the Bible about how wicked I and deceitful the heart is.... There are as many if not more verses that talk about how we need to love from the heart and how it's the heart that tells us what is morally ok. Let's keep it in its place alongside the exact opposite verses. The heart can be both.

[@CrazedTacoEater852]

@@queenria7 well, He first pierces you're heart.

[@lynnclemons5864]

WOW.I can honestly say I am blown away by your passionate plea to this young lady.Your heart for her comes through.You may never know if she or someone else who needs to hear this actually does,but God knows!So many have been hurt(myself included...my situation has actually been physical and sexual,along with verbal,etc...) I am now in my mid to late 40's and although I do go to church (I am now starting to think about things).I am now learning that we can tell God everything...even if we're mad at him and that it's ok.He already knows,and still wants us to share our hearts with him.💕

[@hgordon5217]

As someone who has been hurt by "the church" and my own family I can identify with this. I grew up in church from day one with parents who grew up in church going back generations. However, I also have severe depression/anxiety to the point I have been hospitalized for self harm and large sections of my teenage years i can't remember much because my brain protects me by blocking it out. Once it was known in the church what was wrong with me, the comments started. "Oh, you don't need to go to therapy/have medication you just need to pray/come to church more", "You just need to have a little more faith", "you must not be trusting God enough". Even my own grandparents would ask "when are you getting off the medicine" like I was a horrible person for not being able to manage with God only. This judging is so much of the reason why people run away in droves. Many years later now, I have mostly accepted the need for medication to manage my illness. Although dark times still happen I do I still have faith. God helped someone learn how depression works and how to help. God helps the medication work for me so i dont have to feel guilty i need help or shame that im broken. But this faith isnt dependent on any church. I can have my faith in the middle of a park or anywhere i want to talk to God. What few friends that I still have that are Christians are accepting and do show the love of Christ but I will not allow Christian toxicity to hurt me anymore. I just hope that those who are showing Christian toxicity are shown their error by God.

[@saraheureka]

Wow! What a powerful testimony!

[@KJ-lb4tj]

Check out Joanna Moncrieff, top psychiatrist in London on what these medicines actually do to you and how they actually work. She's a top professor of psychiatry in London university and heads up the critical psychiatry movement. The psychiatric industry is a mess. Really look into what exactly these drugs are doing and what the research actually shows... Not from a church stance, but from a medical and health stance. Depression is not a chemical imbalance, these drugs create an imbalance. And it sounds like your life has many reasons surrounding it that would contribute to your unhappiness including the response of Christians. Those are plenty reasons to be feeling unhappy in yourself.

[@r.designs]

Wow, shared with my mom & sister in law. It breaks my heart because I have ran from the church & ministry so many times myself because in my darkest moments I felt alone when it came to the support I needed, but Jesus never left or forsook me … even when I had forsaken Him. Praying for our generation. Thank you for this

[@cyndiharrell518]

Love your transparency and honesty here! The Church is a place for the sinner, and yet we tend to shoot our wounded. My daily prayer is "Please Lord, help me not to be a stumbling stone for those I meet." May I be the hands and feet of our Savior...

[@cyndiharrell518]

@@dawnb8906 This is Faith’s channel and she has EVERY right to be honest and speak her mind. I think that’s a wonderful thing. Didn’t say I agreed with it all. But it’s her channel and I admire her courage to open her heart and let us in to her struggles. You want to berate her for speaking her heart…and you are a part of the group that shoots the Christian wounded!! I rest my case with my first comment…

[@AudreyDarling]

9:19 made me cry 🙏🏼 praying for all those who feel this alone, as if they only have themselves as a savior. Thank you for your LOVING and TRUTH-FILLED response ❤️

[@ChristinaFaithLucci]

This is literally what I needed this past few weeks. Long story short - I grew up in the church and struggled with depression, anxiety etc. By the time I went to college, I felt called into full time worship ministry as a worship pastor. I graduated last year with my degree from liberty university and have been seriously debating after a recent encounter with a church if I even belong in the local church. I know God has a plan for me. I know he wants to build his church - yet I also know I’m hurting as a result of his people. How do you justify walking back into an organization like that? Idk - I just have a lot on my mind and this video was encouraging at least. 💕

[@roganmiller8861]

Hi!! I loved your video Faith, and as a member of the LGBTQ+ community it was genuinely heartwarming to hear. I would like to just mention that I don’t believe me being a gay man is a lifestyle. I’m not Christian, nor religious at this point in my life though growing up i attended a few different churches with close friends, family, etc. and I often did feel immensely judged by those around me whom were a part of the church. I love the idea of a community who’s goal is to rise up and help others to do the same, but I believe a big part of spreading your love with Jesus, is also accepting that we are all made in his image. I promise had my sexuality been a choice or “lifestyle” I would have chosen to be straight. I grew up in a small town community with a lot of small minded people, as an open minded child with a large capacity to love those around me myself, I didn’t understand why so many were so insistent that something was wrong with me. I sometimes find myself wishing that I could find a church community to try and join, but am always held back by the constant belief of many in the church that who I am is wrong and that the love I bring to the world is wrong. I don’t believe that an all powerful and loving being who creates all in his own image, would then create me to be labeled as a sinner for the rest of my life. That cold and heartless label that caused so many internal issues within my younger self. Being told it’s a lifestyle choice is heartbreaking because it almost implies that our love is not valid, that WE are not valid. I understand your own personal beliefs, and want to respect them. I’m not asking you to change anything, I only wanted to give you a small bit of perspective from a person who is LGBTQ. I believe that if theres a god, he loves me the same as everyone else. I believe he looks at what we do on this planet to make a positive impact. I believe he gave me a hard and difficult narrative in my life so as to build me up to be strong, kind, and forgiving. And I also believe that he lets people cross others paths whom are meant to meet. I know I won’t sway the mind or opinions of many people, but I do hope some can recognize from my message that instead of being outcasted by being told we’re living a certain lifestyle, or that we are just inherently sinners and it’s never able to be let go of even though we are ALL sinners in the end. The connotation that we are deeply flawed because of out individual “sin” while so many others can be pedophiles, abusers, thieves, neglectful, judgmental, adulterous, sexist, homophobic,transphobic, etc and it’s looked over so quickly. I am so willing to love others, but I would like to be recognized first as a human being, and prefer that my sexuality only be looked at as a small part of who I am, not my entire identity. The entire church confuses me with all the back and forth, and never knowing who in the church actually won’t be hateful towards me or judgmental is a huge part of why I choose to stay away from the religious community in a whole. I truly hope you have wonderful day, and that it’s filled with love and happiness. LOL I’m so sorry if this is too long but I have so many thoughts💞💖

[@mkvideos777]

Have you heard of Becket Cook? He gives his testimony in - Homosexuality Was My Identity ... you can find it on youtube. His story is very powerful!

[@roganmiller8861]

@@mkvideos777 lol that’s the kinda sick and disgusting thing I’m talking about. There is nothing wrong with me and I don’t need to repent to some sky daddy. I choose to be loved regardless of who I am and who I love, not despite it, and I won’t change for anyone. Get your own life instead of trying to push me or anyone else in a direction to change my own.

[@mkvideos777]

@@roganmiller8861 God loves you very much. God did not make a mistake. That is some of what Becket Cook talks about.

[@roganmiller8861]

@@mkvideos777 I’m happy being gay, I watched the video and don’t wish to change myself for any person or God. Y’all are so backwards with your love it’s gross.

[@phells001]

Well said 💙

[@Sabgoed]

All I can say is wow! That's a very powerful video. I am 52 years old. I was condemned by the church as a child and not listen to as an adult and just kind of in the background. I am finding my way back to God in Jesus now at 52. Still afraid to go to church cuz I don't want to be shunned. I am relying on Christians like you to share the gospel and share your stories. Thank you so much! This was really hit home. Thank you

[@Lovedandredeemed29]

I understand. Just know you are there for Christ and not man’s opinions. God is willing to fix anyone and desires all of us to have salvation. Vengeance is the lords so don’t worry about them. Everyone in church is not born again and many are just religious. Pray that he puts you around the right people. I’m happy you are finding your way back. Experiencing Christ is the best thing I could have done. I use to do the same thing to others as a Christian not realizing the whole time I was just religious. Then when I built my relationship with Christ after he isolated me and I lost everything it made me realize things I’ve done and I accepted his grace. Now I am a completely different person and it hurts me that I did those things. I wasn’t born again and I didn’t know at the time. They will have their time trust me.

[@r.j.miller]

I completely remember just a couple of years ago being in a spot similar to you. But when asking God He have me permission to not go to church for several years. I stated being around Christians was a community Bible study. And my first Sunday at church I had a full panic attack. I committed the whole story on the Pined comment from Faith. Blessings on you!

[@lindseyberrum]

Makes me think of the quote " We draw people to Christ not by loudly discrediting what they believe, by telling them how wrong they are and how right we are, but by showing them a Light that is so lovely that they want with all their hearts to know the source of it." I do think we should examine our own hearts primarily and let the Holy Spirit do convicting of others and God the judging. It's good to denounce sin...but I think it's most powerful when we denounce our own sin openly. Heart breaking to see how much hurt there is. Very excellent video. Very complicated content to tackle. Sure love this channel.

[@elipatrick1352]

Just going to throw this in here. Being gay is not a lifestyle choice. Admittedly, for some it is. Some people do choose to go out and live the "gay life". But for the quiet majority of us, this was not something we chose. I am a Christian. I have been my entire life. I live the same life as my straight peers. I worship the same as my straight peers. I tried to push down who I was for years. From the age of five all the way to the age of 19. I prayed daily and nightly for God to forgive me and take away the feelings. To make me straight. Eventually, I felt God say to me, "Love yourself as I love you. Love who I created you to be." You can't hate a part of yourself away. If for my entire life, begging God with an earnest heart and desire to change didn't change me, maybe my struggle wasn't finding the magic words or finding the key to being straight. It was to love myself the way God made me to be. I think the church at large has a big issue with facing ideas passed through generations of prejudice. I also think they have a difficulty reconciling context and scripture. The age old joke of taking verses out of context seems only to apply to scripture that isn't about gay people. Those must be taken literally at face value it seems. Most Biblical scholars agree that the context of those scriptures is far different than how the church treats them today. Being gay is not a lifestyle the same as being straight is not a lifestyle. You do not wake up every day and decide to like the opposite sex. Gay people don't wake up every day and decide to like the same sex. We as humans are built to love and desire companionship. The church has decided a certain demographic of humans that desire the same love and companionship is invalid in that love. So many Christians believe that if someone is gay, they cannot possibly be a true believer, pursuing the Lord with their heart, mind, body, and soul. But gay people can also know the Lord. I am one of them. I have a relationship with Christ and I explore that daily. I talk to the Lord throughout the day every day. I study scripture. I attend church. I am an active and participating member of the Body of Christ. I also happen to be gay. Not by a choice I made. But because God made me with a desire to love others. That love just falls in the statistical minority of the rest of the church.

[@bibleman7757]

read the bible stop defending your sin

[@elipatrick1352]

@@bibleman7757 you've proven my point

[@phells001]

Well said... So true. Finally, someone's said everything on my mind . I so can relate

[@jayliezambella]

@@bibleman7757 it's not a sin. The verses u use r taken without context, as well mistranslated, and not taken into historical context either. Leviticus 18:22 is referring to pedophilia. The Hebrew used is in reference to boys and men having relationships, not men and men. The word used does translate to male. However, the word is used in reference to boys, male children. The Hebrew has a specific word for man, and we find that Hebrew used male for male children and uses a different word for adult males. Then we come to the NT with Paul. Romans This is in reference to worship of idols. Sexual relations between same sexs on certain holidays and festivals was a common thing,and when we follow context we realize that this is wat Paul is referencing. 1 Corinthians Now, first we must understand that this word used is a made up word that Paul created to describe something. Way we come to find is that Paul if u look at wat the creation of the word is only mentions the penetrator as being the individual in the wrong. To understand this u must understand the culture of the time. In Greek and Roman society having same sex relationships between males was generally a young boy and a man. As well, there were laws that said a man of lower understanding can't be the penetrator. It was common to have pipal teacher relationships. Wat does this add to the context of wat Paul is saying? Well, we see that this isn't specifically simply talking abt 2 men having consensual relations, but instead 1 of an unequal power, and 1 in which consent isn't possible. 1 Timothy We run into the same issue as before. Paul made up a word for something that didn't exist. We again look at the context and history. We come to the same conclusion that this is unconsensual relations between 2 men. Next, the Bible never mentions anything abt women and same sex relationships. As well, being trans is never mentioned in the Bible. So, making claims abt lesbians, trans ppl, women who r bisexual, women who r pansexual, or women of any sexual orientation just isn't possible as the Bible mentions nothing abt women and same sex relationships, nor does it mention trans individuals. We, also, come to find that the Bible mentions nothing abt same sex relationships of men with in the idea of marriage. Homosexuality as we have it today didn't exist. So, to compare the idea of homosexuality of today to the homosexuality of the past is just wrong. This doesn't mean homosexuality didn't have the same things as today, but in the general society homosexuality was simply sex, and unequal power exchange.

[@nathanchampagne375]

​@@jayliezambella I think you should reread Romans 1 around Verse 20 to 30. Just a thought.

[@JohnnyCornbread]

I’m not a member of a church at this time personally. I listened to the songs you are speaking of and I sometimes wonder if “church hurt” is sometimes confused with people who are intent on living a life that is biblically sinful while being angry that their particular church won’t just embrace their lifestyle? I think many people don’t want to be biblically correct and they want to be coddled instead and unfortunately for them there are topics that the Bible is firm on.

[@Baitcaster6]

Very well said and 100% accurate. (2 Tim.4:3-4; Jude v4,18-19)

[@shegivesglory8430]

Agreed

[@allieoneal2033]

But what about little girls being made to feel that church is not a good and safe place for them? They have no agendas or deadly sins other than what we are born with. If the church does a better job helping little girls know their worth in Christ, maybe we'd have fewer of us turn away as teens and young adults.

[@Baitcaster6]

@@allieoneal2033 Any church that is not edifying to both men and women, boys and girls is not a true church. The apostate woman that is singing this song is not looking for edification though. She is looking for the church to justify and accept her sexually deviant lifestyle and is "hurt" because they won't. And they shouldn't.

[@KJ-lb4tj]

@@allieoneal2033 the church or anyone else doesn't 'make you feel' it's not a good or safe place for them. Either it is a good and safe place for a young girl or it isn't a good and safe place for them. Working out whether your particular church is or isn't is key.

[@alexacramer608]

Faith, I need this reminder regularly as I pursue studies and ministry in apologetics. It is NOT about being right, and calling out people as wrong. We MUST share why the good news is better then what the world offers!! God is a God of joy and love. Yes He has wrath for our sin but He is not an angry God, and we need to be more careful not to present Him that way.

[@alexacramer608]

And yes I need to focus on my own sanctification by the Spirit rather than judging everyone around me. So convicting. Thank you Faith.

[@Peace_Child]

I love this! I think that whenever I try to emphasize love a lot of christians react as though I'm saying to never speak truth. But people will never hear the truth unless they know they are loved first!

[@HowtoFaithALife]

Oh wow, good point!

[@allieoneal2033]

I think this is the compassion that Jude talks about (v. 22).

[@pinkroses135]

There has to be a balance. Unfortunately, the word love has been hijacked to mean enabling.

[@strawberryauberry]

@@pinkroses135 yeah that’s the word I was looking for. This video almost feels slightly enabling to me. I do agree that we as Christian’s need to love others… but the Bible says to hate our sin… so we need to make sure we as a congregation know we shouldn’t live certain lifestyles or indulge ourselves in certain things. Myself included. No one is perfect, we all fall short, but we need to stop coddling and start telling others that we love the truth. The truth is not always pleasant but can be said in ways that aren’t condemning.

[@rebeccaotis8056]

People need love, but they also need their sins confronted. Nobody can be truly saved unless they confront their sin problem.

[@janetbelcher2480]

The younger me went to this one church, lately I went to the church I am going to now. They are like night and day. I am 70 years old and just got back to this church the last 20 years. Yes the church was more about the pastor and not about the church. The church I go to now. I love it. Loving God and believing in God. Thank you

[@Nanaslittles2962]

AMEN! Thank you for calling this out and saying what has NEEDED to be said.

[@shellyrw1]

Faith, you are so awesome awesome awesome. Trust me sweetheart, you are a light to this world. Amen

[@andreag9913]

We don't rely on ourselves. We find the community that gives us the love, support and guidance that the church failed to do. I believe in a higher power I don't believe in the church. And I'm pretty sure God's ok with that given how far the church has strayed from the ACTUAL teachings of God.

[@Mb2IseeU]

My parents both walked away from church long before I was born because of church hurt and I’m 42. I was not raised in the church at all, and knew nothing of it and didn’t think it necessary. But always felt the Holy Spirit tapping my shoulder, and 2 years at 4:30 am I was alone at the gym. And under the weight racks on the floor was an Ephesians Armor of God Challenge Coin. I was so lost and unhappy in my life, I took that as God firmly nudging me in the right direction. And I have been making my way to the cross, and bringing my husband and kids with me!

[@kathy3178]

I am thankful that you takle the harder issues. Being hurt by the church has left deep scars. I know I am not alone. This needs to be talked about so that healing can take place. So that those who have been hurt can know they are not alone. Also that Jesus is there with his arms wide open readh to receive us.

[@shawnaps48]

So good Faith! I shared this on my facebook for my congregation. As a pastors kid and pastor I’ve experienced my fair share of hurt but I’ve chosen to be a part of the answer rather than walk away (although I’ve had seasons of rest and healing). My question for those who say “what kind of love could be wrong” is how do they define love. The way that God defines love is very different then how love looks in our world. Godly love lays down its life, and doesn’t focus on its own needs but on what serves the other person. In the world its about what I desire, what turns me on, and getting my emotional needs met. We can’t really have a conversation about love if our definitions of love are different.

[@tori1494]

Thank you for this!!! I discovered the song a few days ago and it was driving me nuts that no one gave a Christian review! I wanted to make sure I wasn't the only one thinking this way. Maddie and others like her are hurting, church trauma or not. While we are to not water down the gospel and His truth, we are to do it in love! We can't keep hammering these people with bible over and over again so harshly. You think God is hammering us with every mistake, failure, and flaw we, His children, make?! Before we came to Christ we were SLAVES of sin! That's why He came to die for us! Oh, if people can truly see the depth of sin, how it destroys us, and how much we NEED JESUS!! Those in Christ were once under Adam's curse but now we are justified through faith, and acting out in obedience to his Word, being changed inside out when he dive deep into it! Oh praise the glory of our Almighty GOD!!! 🙌🙌🙌🙌♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@nitarose44]

Wow! Great Biblical points! I grew up in church and Bible colleges. I've felt the heart in church like all of us have, but your points truly put it into human-mind perspective.

[@Jenna1814]

Faith I love your passion in this video. You show how much you truly do love us in your own way. Love this video.

[@lesliewells1062]

I think so many--or maybe all of us--have been hurt by the church. Thank you for making this video and introducing me to these two wonderful ladies!! I subscribed to both of their channels! God bless you!

[@rachealwillingham1756]

I have felt that way. Thanks Faith for this video. I have been struggling with these issues myself.

[@horseygirl645]

Thank you Faith for bringing this to the forefront. ❤️❤️❤️🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@BizzymomStudio]

Thank you for a wake up call to the church. Without love we are just a sounding gong!

[@miriam9775]

We, hurt people, hurt others too. As we become more aware of this, we change how we respond to injury.

[@victoriajenkins1424]

I’ll believe that when the Catholic Church can go twenty years without willfully allowing p3d0s access to children. There is evidence of abuse that is covered up by clergy EVERY YEAR. Sure, but they’ll “change”.

[@MissRuthina]

Wow. This video convicted me. Thank you, sister!

[@bethanymears]

Something I like about these songs is that they feel written to fit not only her story and her life, but also the lives of so many other people. The lyrics are placed in a way that can be interpreted in so many different ways to help comfort whoever needs to hear them. For me personally, I see it as her leaving the church, but not leaving God. She is finally letting herself find her own faith and her own voice and leaving the thing that has pushed her down and created such hate in herself for too long. People continue to make the church such a demeaning and judgmental atmosphere yet shame those who choose to leave that. So for me, I left the church. I left the toxicity that humanity created it to be. I left the people who told me I had to think a certain way to truly be a Christian, that all of my beliefs had to correspond with their societal idea of what the Bible should be. It has been twisted to fit the opinions of those who teach it. After finally reading the Bible myself, I saw the astronomical difference between what I was taught for so many years and what is truly on the page. So, yes, I left the church, but I didn't leave God. I didn't leave the higher power that gives me comfort and love, that accepts my flaws and cherishes me for them. I left the toxicity of the earthly idea of who God is.

[@beckykip4905]

Thank you for sharing this. I too have come to the end of myself and seen that I have no good apart form God! I have unfortunately had friend after friend abandon faith over the years and this breaks my heart, this amazing girls music broke my heart. God help us to be the love we are called to be

[@kimberlyn.2096]

Praying for Maddie and all of the young people that are in need of Jesus so bad right now! Very well said, Faith❤️

[@akshara487]

We don't need faith. Don't pray for us. It does nothing. If you really want to help out people just pay for their therapy that they need because of the negative effect your ideology caused to them.

[@sleepyhermit5758]

I am infinitly better without god. My relationship with the church primed me to stay with my physical abuser for four years, because they both felt the same. Both shamed, wanted to control me, and told me i couldnt trust what i thought and felt. I will never trust the church or a man unconditionally ever again.

[@user-wn2fi2sx6z]

@@sleepyhermit5758 that pain wasn’t God, he is still good and wants a relationship with you. the church can handle things incorrectly and inflict pain, but God loves you. i’m sorry that happened. i’ll be praying for you

[@sleepyhermit5758]

@@user-wn2fi2sx6z I appreciate your kindness but I don't think god exists all god is is the influence of the people who believe in him. And all that brought me was pain

[@teresa8287]

Faith, thank you for this video. Thank you for the message of God’s Grace. Thank you for humility and pointing us to Jesus.

[@TexasVagabond]

Unfortunately, in our society today, the "Go and sin no more..." is enough to turn so many people away from the Church. I have seen it many times.

[@victoriajenkins1424]

When being gay, having bodily autonomy, and other human rights are “sinning” then, yeah, people will turn away. Rightfully so.

[@Kaytee16]

Love it! So proud of your growth as a KZbinr and also a child of God!

[@HowtoFaithALife]

Thank you!

[@kristi9039]

I’m so encouraged this is on the radar! We, the church, are called to serve, each other and the world. We are to be servants, as Jesus was during His earthly ministry. We are to serve in love and truth. All this to say, we as the church should not only welcome the hard questions of our youth but answer them truthfully WITH LOVE and accepting they are real questions deserving answers. The world is screaming their answers to what our youth are wondering about, it’s past time we the church should invite and welcome, truly welcome, those questions and answer them in love with God’s truth, as Jesus did. I too love the church but am about sick of us.

[@TheRealUnkn0wn_289]

The world has nothing to do with it, it is decayed and rotten, you can't serve two masters, the world is evil, God/The Narrow Path or the world, not both

[@donovanloreman]

We need to get back to loving others. We are told to love our enemies. That is everyone. Everyone is a sinner, and everyone is against God at some level. When we learn to love other sinners the way Jesus does, it gives us a new outlook on life.

[@ThatSoulsGirl]

I agree 100% with the fact that we can't change anyone, but they'll change through knowing God if we love them like he wants us too. And I see it so much with the church in general where people vilify those in the LGBTQ community instead of just loving them, and some don't even want to talk to them as if they have the plague or something, and it's so heartbreaking to see. It's like they forget they're human beings, created and loved by God too.

[@jess1987]

This is such a powerful edifying message, that EVERY believer needs to hear. Praise our Almighty Father.

[@chloegracemusic]

I just subscribed because of this video! My heart hurts for all who have been hurt by the church (on different levels), I am one of them. I’m related to many who have been. I just want those who have been hurt to know that Jesus still loves them and those people who hurt them were a bad example of who Jesus is. And that He will meet you where you are but he will not leave you there. As someone apart of the Gen Z generation, just thank you for posting this! 🤍

[@Barb71056]

Thank you so much for this we all need to just love one another and stop falling fawith each other life is hard no matter what fight you're fighting we need to be there for each And to be understanding and kind And let the silly things go and leave it up to God to judge not us For I do not want to be judged by others so why would I judge others Keep up the good work Faith I love your videos

[@heathurmurie]

The problem I see though, because this generation is growing up with the "it's all about me and my truth" attitude, that anything the church says is going to offend them. I really don't think many people are being actually hurt by church but they just don't like the conviction feeling and instead of looking into themselves, it's easier to blame all of Christianity and say they hurt you. Don't get me wrong, I know church can hurt people, but a lot of people are also too scared to actually say "that's convicting me, how can I change and grow with God?" Instead they run away. I just wish people would actually go talk with leaders of the churches instead of just getting mad and running away because a word or sermon made them squirm.

[@hanaymoraz]

By seeing the background of the video I don’t think it’s uncomfortable sermons I used to be in the LGBTQ+ and till this day I still get looks like I’m an alien I was the crumbs of the church everyone was rejecting me although God freed me. There was horrible rumors created about me that I was a prostitute a Jezebel when I never had a sexual partner, the only time was when I was raped and all this happened when I was in church. I then have returned because I understood that it’s not God’s fault for people hurting me. Looking into Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2... but I do agree with you there are people who do run away because the word of God is sharper than any two edge sword. But it’s very few from my experience that do run away because the word is bitter at times but it’s beautiful.

[@stephenbarningham330]

That is the Job of the Holy Spirit to convict! NOT the Job of the church! The church has been apostate for a very long time now! "Christians" are NOT the born-again! The "church is NOT the bride! The Goats that the church is full of are NOT the sheep of the Lord! The church are the Goats and the traditions of men that IS the Religion of Christianity! And it is NOT of the Lord!

[@julietteishimwe2274]

that's right but also when you show the love of Jesus to my generation, it CHANGES us because we see how "your truth" has changed your life, you know?

[@kateri222]

i agree with your perspective and your cautious application of it- i see many, including my own children, who have said someone in the church “shoved the Bible down my throat”, when in fact I witnessed just the opposite, a compassionate youth pastor approach the child with scripture. Drama and self-absorption can sometimes help someone create excuses…

[@minglewme]

im a gay 17 y/o boy and every Saturday and Sunday i have to go church and i want to cry every single time. most times i do. the church is why i don’t feel accepted. it is why my parents will probably never support me. why would i want to grow with god, no thank you. so let me “run away” from the source of my hurt and hatred my parents have for the lgbtq+ community

[@sarabockenstedt9237]

There is a "Christian Culture" in the USA that has grown to become - almost - it's own religion. All the unwritten rules, the "should's" and "supposed to's" can be overwhelming. Sometimes it seems that people the Church as a way to be seen as a Christian when they do not practice in their hearts. Does that make sense? The pressure to "look" Christian can be powerful. I, too, have been hurt by the church. What I have learned through the past few years, in no small part because of you, Faith, is that God has a place for me even if the church does not. Also, that the dogma of the church is man-made, full of rules man created. One of the most powerful arguments I have when people start hating on others is to show me where in the Bible Jesus ever gave an exception to Love God, Love People. He reached out to those on the fringe of society, those who knew they were sinners, those forgotten by their own "church." Who are we to exclude anyone? I think your video hit a chord within me! As always, a thought provoking video. Keep it coming, Faith!

[@truthbetoldministry1132]

😢 this topic was much needed. May god bless you with everything you need in life to speak your light and understanding in this world. Sometimes we spend more time judgmental then we do listening and forgiving people on situations that make us uncomfortable. Instead we should be applying wwjd as Jesus is love and light and if we truly kno him we wouldn’t judge. I pray for a healing of the church’s, it’s time we separate the hate with compassion and live without the conviction of the devils evil spirits by pleading the blood of Jesus Christ.

[@Notevenone]

Just beautiful words.

[@Lori.983]

Tears several times watching this, thinking how heartbreaking it is that anyone is running from Jesus instead of to Him, trusting in themself, instead of truly trusting in Jesus, the only One who can save them!!! Interesting that you shared the woman caught in adultery, as this was where Jesus knelt down and began writing in the dirt!!! I’m going to share something Jesus blessed me with, it is truly beautiful, I pray it blesses all who read it: God’s Message 10/19/19 at 2:23AM CST: I was awoken and immediately given a vision. Vision- I saw a man, instantly I was given understanding that this was Jesus, though I have no memory of actually seeing His face. I saw Jesus kneeling down and writing with His finger in the dirt. When He was finished, He motioned me over to Him to come and see what He had written in bold, capital letters, “ALL FOR LOVE” I had an immediate knowing within my Spirit, everything He has done, is doing, and will do is “ALL FOR LOVE”!!! JESUS IS SO GOOD, SO FAITHFUL, HIS LOVE AND MERCY IS OVERWHELMING AND EVERLASTING!!!💗 Hebrew 223, flame of Yah, Yah is my light, Even so, come, Lord Jesus!!! My love and prayers are with you, all our brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus, and all of the lost and unsaved!!!🕊✝️💞

[@casualchatwithamanda5996]

Wow Faith. What a remarkable video. I'm so proud of you for addressing this and I know it couldn't have been easy to do this, but I know you love God with all your heart mind and soul and that you are a woman of love and want what's best for everyone. I love you so much faith! Judgment is probably one of not the biggest struggles the church is facing right now, but people need to realize exactly what you said. It's not Jesus hurting people it's the broken sinners inside the church.

[@ItsEverythingEuodia]

Thank you for making this video Faith. I think it really addresses the way the Church has dealt with some issues and how we are to do all the things God calls us to do with love and compassion. Speaking truth in love shouldn’t lead people to run away from Jesus. It should lead them closer to Him

[@taraingersoll8691]

Powerful. Well said.

[@staciewittenmyer1011]

i sincerely appreciate your compassion and calling Christian judgmentalism to repentance. my grandparents and parents and most churches when i grew up held hostile views about interracial marriage. their arguments and attitudes were similar to the ones used against lgbt families. I hope that one day the church will embrace lgbt and their families as beloved children of God. i am affiliated with 2 denominations that have accepted lgbt. Its time to lay down our swords and open our hearts.

[@bautry1899]

Even if we might've "saved" ourselves from certain darknessess, there will always be more. There are such evil forces out there that are stronger than we ever will be. We will always fall thinking we can save ourselves, when all we need to do is fall into the arms of the Father because he has already saved us.

[@nikimoss8675]

Luv this video!! Ty for sharing ♥️

[@terrilowe657]

I am sitting here with tears streaming down my face and I can only say one thing “you nailed it”

[@kaonoulu]

You go!!! Truth truth truth!!!

[@Daniel_Size_12]

Thank you so much for being helpful to me. You are truly a great person. My barometer to come back into the fold.

[@itssammierose]

Ive been hurt by the church. I was isolated because of others’ gossip and lies. People in charge believed the gossip and treated me like i was a sinner that no man should be around. The men in this church werent allowed near me. It was INCREDIBLY heartbreaking and lonely. I was living away from any family and was truly all alone there. People would message me about the lies that were said about me and call me disgusting and names yet raise their hands during worship and pretend they are kind to all. Ive been hurt by another church right after. That was it for me. I havent been involved since. (8ish years). I struggle with my relationship with God on and off because of these experiences. I feel shamed over nothing. I have gone through therapy and it still is hard for me. Its been a VERY hard road of healing. Sometimes i want to find a good church in my new area that i live but i have no idea where to start to find a good church that wont be so awful towards me or my family. I wont allow the church to hurt my family like they did to me.

[@bygraceonly182]

Trauma of being wrongfully accused and treated horribly afterward is awful. Praying for your continued healing sister. I hope you can find an authentic and gracious family of believers who will protect your heart instead of attacking it.

[@itssammierose]

@@bygraceonly182 thank you so much.

[@paulinewhite3273]

I hope this will help someone. I'm 69, and I said yes to Jesus in my early thirties I had two young children. It was after moving house that my Christian journey began ( although I know God held me before I was born). Part of my journey I had ' church experience ' but I knew going to church at certain times bore absolutely no connection to the God whom I had come to love passionately. We are living in a fallen world, it is no easy thing to separate ourselves from the world.......BUT if we want to follow Christ we must. He will provide, He knows our hearts and has given His Holy Spirit. We have a Supernatural Creator. God is Spirit and looks for those who will worship Him in Spirit and Truth. Sadly I believe ' the church' pushes religion and in some cases seeks to be no more than a social club that will not uphold The Word of God. Religion shackles people, the devil leads people into bondage. Only a relationship with Jesus can set us free.

[@artworkfly4319]

I NEVER REALLY UNDERSTOOD LIFE until I met MATTIE NOTTAGE preachings on youtube.

[@sandyhardy3419]

Glorified body is coming soon !

[@debvickers2883]

We love to quote John 3:16… But - read on… John 3:17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world but in order that the world might be saved through Him. Memorize that one too! Great teaching Faith! Thanks!

[@jennyB294]

Hi Faith your video is so heartfelt and genuine it really comes across in your nature. I too believe that God's word is what produces change in us. I recently read a book by Rosaria Butterfield about hospitality and it led me to listen to her book about her story. She didn't mention hurt from church but she mentioned her struggle with same sex attraction and how the Word has helped her with this. That led me to listen to a video with Christopher Yuan and one with Jackie Hill Perry, both having the same struggle. All 3 turning to God for wisdom. I admire and see how God's word has helped them process this. They are honest about sin and conviction, they talk out loud about it. Praying Maddie can battle things out with God, she already has it in the light, that's a start. Your right, it hurts to know churches have hurt God's people and your right we as people are sinful and mess up. I love the example you shared of Jesus on the cross not cross-examining the thief next to him. Even he, in the end relied on Jesus not himself.

[@charmabrown4964]

Many of these younger people that are running from the church in extreme number take offense to anything that opposes their viewpoints or that asks them to have discipline and be good stewards and to turn from their wicked ways. They want everyone to love them and not expect them to allow the Holy Spirit to completely change their lives from the I side out.

[@cozy_k8]

Amen! Well said!! ❤️

[@terrie6320]

The church is a family and not all family get along, but also stand up for each other if the family is truly in Christ. Our church recently chased our 30 yr old twin daughters away , they were in the lead vocal choir and were getting ready to lead and teach interpreter {sign language) to music , but two of the church pastors hurt their feelings , one made them feel like they were not welcome to teach interpretations , when after I talked to the minister he said he was just trying to tell them to get a background check , that’s no problem, they have done that before, they have training in doing interp. And then the second thing was the way they dress, they both have jobs, children and can’t go out to buy clothes just for church. They dress the best they can. The girls said “What happened to come as you are”? They don’t dress that bad to get picked on. Our church is 160 yrs old and went from over 900 members down to 150 now due to the covid and loss of a minister and many watch on line or have left. Any way our girls wont go back. It’s sad.

[@pinkroses135]

I'll be the lutheran third wheel watching that arminian calvinism discussion lol

[@bridgestew]

Thank you for what you have shared in this video. I don't know Maddie or her music, so that isn't what struck me. I have been dwelling on the same scene you mentioned about Jesus who did not condemn the woman "caught in the act", and how He calls the other people in the scene to remember their own sin. It has been incredibly moving to me for months now and keeps coming to mind multiple times a day. I've come to the same understanding that you have about it. It's so nice to have this affirmed for me by you. In my opinion this image of the woman brought before Jesus and how that scene unfolds is the exact picture of what Jesus explained later in the chapter when He said (John 8:15-16), "You judge according to the flesh; I judge no one. And yet if I do judge, My judgment is true; for I am not alone, but I am with the Father who sent Me."

[@abigailmartin1]

Great video Faith! Question-Would it be judging to wonder if some of these people claiming church hurt are in reality just upset that biblical churches/teachings don't accept their lifestyles/views? Christianity and truth is often deemed hurtful just in itself. The Gospel is a beautiful and loving story that's full of Grace and Mercy, but in order to accept it, there is the realization that we are sinful which does offend some people and they don't see it as something wonderful as we claim it is. Not saying it's right, but sometimes it bothers me that some people might be claiming God's people hurt them when we were just biblically loving and sharing truth with them. But then you have the people who have actually been wronged by the church and the church needs to bring reconciliation and support to those people. What do you think about it? Regardless, I totally agree about the woman at the well and the thief on the cross. We get so defensive and are the first to declare judgement and no forgiveness when Jesus so freely gives His mercy, and promises it specifically for a repentant heart. No matter how someone lives, we should all be as passionate and as desperate as your plea is in this video for the lost souls in our world. It's truly so heartbreaking when someone has a false sense of healing and is so blind that they can't see they've never been more broken as they are without Jesus as their Savior.

[@jsmith317]

I've seen this to be the case, and you are brave to bring out this aspect of the concept, too. There are people in our church with family members in "open sin." I've been kind and loving. When introduced, I treated them no differently than anyone else I'm introduced to. We're all sinners. Yet, I was literally confronted, out of the blue, by a church member, asking if I thought the "open sin" the loved one is doing is wrong. I told them that I believe God says so in His Word and that the sorrow I have in that is that I think most also know this about His Word and that is why they run from Him. They may be running from Church, but the far, far bigger issue is running from God because the clinged-to sin is creating a chasm between them and God in their heart. :( So, what I think of it doesn't matter. What God thinks of it and what they know God thinks of it and where that lands the relationship is the key.

[@allieoneal2033]

In my experience, people who say they've experienced church hurt have actually been hurt and many even spiritually abused. We can not let our desire to be true to scripture be an excuse to feel superior to others and make them feel inferior. Many of us were harmed as children or have seen children harmed. There's a huge difference between having hurt feelings because someone disagrees with you and being devastated because people you trusted betrayed you, gaslit you, and turned their back on you.

[@cmartn9672]

I grew up in a cult, Jehovah's Witnesses, yes based off of my Bible reading I do believe it is a cult. That organization tore me down with judgement from all of the members. Being found by Jesus and reconciled was a huge blessing. But because of my past I find I judge my brothers and sisters far more easily than my husband who was a Christian from a young age. It is something I fight and struggle each day with, and only from the Holy Spirit do I get my help. It is so easily to fall into that pattern when you are around it constantly.

[@samanthaquant7411]

Much of my family is JW and I agree that it can be very culty.

[@PolymorphicPenguin]

This comments section has a lot of thought-provoking views. Some people are saying that it's important for Christians to denounce sins and that is what is causing dissatisfaction. I agree that Christian preachers have a responsibility to tell their congregations not to do certain things. However, there is always a risk that sinful pride will come into our hearts and make us think that we are righteous, we are so much better than they are. For me, I find myself judging certain Christians for being too judgmental. I know, when I write it out it doesn't much sense, but the Devil tells me, "You're not like those holier-than-thou Christians, you're not prideful like they are" when all the while he's inviting me to take pride in my supposed humility. Oh, and I don't mean I literally heard the Devil say something like that, that would be freaky. I just mean that's the way I believe the Devil trips me up sometimes.

[@valentinipinto]

Thanks for sharing this. Same thing happens to me.

[@PolymorphicPenguin]

@@valentinipinto Thanks for letting me know I'm not the only one.

[@butterflies015]

I don't think telling her she couldn't save herself was the way to go. That only add to despair. A better way to put it that she can save herself. By letting God into her heart he can help her find her way to more happiness within herself. No matter what the outer world made do to wreck her peace.

[@danchandler9638]

A truth we need to face. Thank you for being so open with us.

[@mcinqb3]

"I saw him so hurt for the people that experienced this.... But gay people need to live their lives hating themselves until they can admit they are wrong and weren't born the way they exist" /christians🙄

[@susanengle4830]

Loved this and so timely.

[@lilianeschlatter8935]

Oh how much your video speaks truth. Thank you, for dealing with this issue. Thank you for wanting to make a true difference in the Ecclesia. But I do believe, that there are even so many people who have taught in the Church without knowing the heart of the Father, to a bunch of people not reading the scriptures themselves, and then nobody dares to ask questions or to give answers. I agree, sister, THE TRUTH can only be found in the Bible, and it comes down to Jesus dealing with the broken and the sinners rather than condemning them. Thanks for this, so touching, and yes, I felt unheard, not-understood many times, I think we all can relate. Maybe, the Western Church must be rethought?

[@angelafalu5219]

I have grown up in church and am a pastor’s kid. Here in Ecuador, my grandmother was a great women of God and was called to pastor 40 years ago, she was highly recognized throughout the country. Sadly, last year she and my dad passed away due to covid and my uncle and mother took the pastoring. This has caused a lot of problems in my family. First because my uncle can be very egoistic and everything can start feeling like a dictatorship in our church. This has caused great sadness in me because I have felt so undervalued, so stomped over, so unnecessary. I have been on worship for 10 years now and now I also feel like I’m not truly enjoying what I do. My then-boyfriend who has been my husband for a month now has been with me for 5 years and also feels the same way. We talk about going to the United Stated for a while to “breath” because we feel trapped in a place that is making us feel ugly. I love my church, I love my ministry, but I think there are people who hurt you, and the worst thing is when they believe they have done nothing wrong.

[@Elaan021]

I think you're missing a bit of the point of her song. She's not saying that she's the answer and not God. It's in the song where she says "If it was God, then I don't have to worry/ He'll know why I left, why I ran in a hurry." It's a rejection of the church and questioning whether or not the voice was God. She's saying that if it wasn't God who told her to run, then she's glad she decided to run on her own because of how harmful the church is. She's raising the question as to whether the church as it stands right now is the one that God would want. What if the voice was God telling her to leave the church? I found your channel through your in depth videos on topics because I had a history much like Maddie's, but I'm interested in piecing together my own thoughts. So, this comment is coming from someone "on the other side" as it were. And it warms my heart to see someone work through these issues as you do. But on this one I think you didn't quite delve deep enough into the question the song was raising (and that's okay, like you said, we all struggle). For me, Maddie's song echoes questions I've had when comparing what Jesus said in the gospels versus the words of Paul and other disciples in the epistles [I've read the New Testament all the way through more than once]. To me, it raises the question as to whether the focus on Paul's interpretations (in particular, but all the apostles) isn't doing the same thing Jesus accused others of doing when focusing too much on the little things rather than the major issues. Thank you for the work you do with this channel, and for giving a former-believer-turned-questioning like me some things to think about while being open with your own struggles with your faith. Just as you approached this topic without judgment, so do I when leaving this comment. I wish you all the best.

[@lastdays8500]

Nice hashtags to get progressive, new age Christians to feel a sense of relatedness despite not following what Gods word says. We are to love but we've also to help our brothers and sisters out when they are struggling in their faith or going astray biblically etc. I don't think it's judgemental to help other people out but there are those people who do confuse it now as being judgemental and hateful these days when it's really in a place of love (for the most part apart from Churches or people like Westboro Baptist Church) etc. I was SSA and I'm grateful for the people who helped me get away from it all. I now know more than ever that I want other people to know you aren't stuck that way, that there are many of us who have left and aren't Gay, Lesbian etc anymore. There is hope! To stay silent on it isn't helpful. We are to go out into the world to spread the good news! Not to stay in church buildings or only be with like minded individuals. Its time for the church to rise and share our testimonies. Church culture can be toxic even against those who seem "Holy" or "Perfect" which does happen. No one is perfect except Jesus. Let's be the light of the world and not shy away anymore. We've to expose the darkness and show people who are hurting out there the true power in Christ our Redeemer!

[@Kris-ki3nk]

I left the church a long time ago, and I ditched my abusive upbringing/ relationship with Jesus. How was a gay person worth less than I when I failed God daily? How could someone with a dangerous past be turned away, but Paul killed Christians? If I couldn't meet the standards the church laid before me, then what was the point of even trying when your failures is your que in the church congregation. So I left it all and it's people with the understanding that I was on the direct root to hell. But that was church and the people of the church and I had yet to come to understand the difference between who Jesus is VS the opinions of the church. It took years to undo what was done before Jesus would come until life again, and of course my own bible. But all those old church feelings followed me and I just couldn't continue on this path without help and really understanding who my creator is and his plans for me. I will never go back to church or support it, but to know Jesus from scripture and not man-made opinion is life changing. To accept Jesus is to accept everyone because everything was made thru him. To love like Jesus is to love everyone NO matter what! Jesus came for the sinners like me and not the righteous and that simple fact makes a place for everyone, not just a church. What a beautiful blessing that is.

[@ariasch6037]

Key here is repentance and pursuing God with the choices and our lifestyle.. to glorify the God of the Bible, never allow yourself to stay In Bondage in an excuse that God loves you anyway. Only those who love him shall see him.

[@Kris-ki3nk]

Remembering that people's opinions are not biblical is so freeing

[@Kris-ki3nk]

I love how true this is, but how sad it is at the same time.

[@TheRealUnkn0wn_289]

Amen

[@gemstonejasper17]

I officially admitted to myself that I wasn't a Christian anymore in January of 2020. Right when that song came out, my little Christian sister showed it to me and admitted that she was struggling a lot with what she believes (not because of the song but because of other things). I instantly fell in love with it. I even shared it on social media on the 3 year anniversary of admitting to myself that I'm not a Christian. I could go on and on about how Christianity hurt me, but that would be more of a book than a KZbin comment. The problem wasn't the church per say. I was raised in a small town Southern Baptist church, for context. I knew almost everyone there. They were good people for the most part. I loved them and felt they were part of my family. I don't blame my family or the people at my church (with the exception of the pastor, who I found out was partially responsible for hiding the systematic abuse of over 700 children, but I digress). It wasn't this abstract idea of "the church" that made me leave. It was God himself. I won't go into painful amounts of detail, but the world in which we live is incompatible with an all powerful, all knowing, and all loving being. There's just too many inconsistencies. Why are children born just to suffer and die? Why can animals experience suffering? They didn't sin. Why does God even create people he knows will go to Hell? I could go on and on, but I'm not here to argue. Just to share my experience. Over several years I wrestled with these ideas, starting all the way back in middle school when I first started a 10 year habit of regular church attendance and personal Bible study. But I couldn't dare even consider the idea that God didn't exist. One could say I left Christianity kicking and screaming. Most people seem to jump from Christianity to atheism, agnosticism, new age spirituality, Buddhism, Islam, or whichever of the countless other religions there are. But for me it was a slow, gradual, painful experience over years of my life. Eventually, I realized I was a dystheist (someone who believes in a god who is neither completely good or completely bad). I still called myself a Christian, though that wasn't entirely accurate anymore. Anytime I brought up these distressing ideas that God had the ability to do bad things, I was immediately shut down. So I walked through this stage by myself. But the more I thought about it and tried to prove myself wrong, the deeper it became. Eventually, I found myself to be a misotheist (someone who believes in a god who is inherently evil). I consider this to be the moment "my wall broke down." I saw God as an abusive father figure and Jesus as an abusive boyfriend. That's when I prayed my very last prayer. For hours I cried and yelled and cursed God. What did it matter? I was going to be tortured in Hell for eternity anyway. Might as well get some catharsis by yelling at the almighty. Now let me tell you that misotheism is one of if not the most excruciatingly painful spiritual beliefs to hold. Imagine it. You believe in an all powerful and all knowing being who is inherently evil. Everything he does has some sinister purpose behind it. Yet you are completely powerless to stop it. Everyone you have ever loved is just a pawn in his stupid game. And you can't tell anyone about your hatred for the being they love so dearly. Those months were some of the darkest of my life. But eventually, after lots of thinking and research and reading and stuff, I realized there probably isn't a god and if there is, there's only a tiny chance it's the Abrihamic one, which turned me into an agnostic atheist. That's where I tend to stand today with some spiritual wisdoms from many beliefs sprinkled in. I guess what I'm trying to say is that a lot of people don't leave the church because of the church itself. They leave because the things taught and believed in many branches of Christianity are or have the potential to be extremely harmful and toxic. If it works for you, that's great. As long as you aren't hurting anyone, I don't really care. But you have to understand that your religion doesn't work for everyone. It is even harmful for some. Just as you would probably consider, for example, Islam, to be harmful to some people. They're just two religions that work for different types of people. Like the bridge of that song says, "If it was God then I don't have to worry. He'll know why I left, why I ran in a hurry." If there is a benevolent god out there, he will know and understand my intentions and why I left. He won't punish me simply for not being a part of a certain religion. Any god who does otherwise is not benevolent. I guess my last point will be an analogy. Imagine a man has three kids. Kid one he loves and cherishes and treats perfectly. Kid two he is harsher on, causing some trauma or hurt. But overall, he's a good dad to them and they both love each other. Kid three is abused by the man in every way imaginable. All three of the kids will probably grow up to have different opinions of their father. Just because Kid one had a great experience doesn't mean that kid two or three's experiences weren't valid. Vice versa. Anyway, like I said, I'm not here to argue or debate. I think there's value and wisdom in both perspectives. I just wanted to offer my experience and perspective. You are free to take it or leave it as you wish. Anyway, have a good day/night

[@AudreyDarling]

Thanks!

[@stephanieflowers2783]

I love the organism that is the church. I love her with everything in me. That said, I have not faithfully gathered in a church in almost 5 years. Was I hurt by the church? Yes but not in the way you’re probably thinking. I wanted to DO something in our “Jerusalem.” I wanted to get out in the highways and hedges and share Jesus not only in word but I’m deed as well. The community surrounding the last church I attended had so many needs that my church, the church, could meet or help with and we literally did nothing. Well VBS but one week a year to have them come to us is NOT the great commission. It is to GO. I got so absolutely sick of being told “maybe another time”, “when we have more volunteers”, “when finances are better.” I argued then, and will argue now, that if we wait on perfect conditions to do what we have been COMMANDED to do then we will never do it. So I walked away. Was that the right thing to do? Maybe yes, maybe no. I just knew that the church wasn’t doing what the church in the New Testament did, what Jesus intended for us to do. The Holy Spirit has been convicting me about forsaking assembling with other believers so I am looking for a new church. I was raised independent Baptist (sigh) and was part of the SBC when I left. I’m still very disenchanted with the lack of activity in our local communities by the church but I can’t affect change if I’m not part of a body of believers and involved in corporate worship and service. We were meant to spread the gospel TOGETHER. I know most of the churches in my area and, honestly, none of them have a truly recognizable presence in our area but maybe, just maybe, I can change that if I follow the Spirit’s leading and go to the church God would have me at.

[@willowwillow1969]

I am repenting right now! This has come minutes after a family member posted a meme on a site, that I judged in a comment. Also, I clean for a living in a government bldg, and ALL week, I have complained, and assumed I knew what everyone's job entailed and left NO reason why a piece of trash didn't make it to the can. I think, at least for ME that it is FEAR that allows those things to fester. I am AFRAID of losing my salvation, or Jesus "never knowing me" at the end. I am also a control freak and want everything to stay the same and familiar to ME and MY ways. On the other hand, I have church hurt also. I have attended a church for over 3 years, and still do not really have any friends. I volunteer to help when I can. I work nights, so I am unable to attend many evening events. I feel left out like the girl on the bleachers. I feel judged for not being at prayer meetings or bible study. This hit a nerve with me. I honestly wanted to turn your video off when I saw what the topic was. I am glad I had courage to stay. You are right. Our job is to love others, speak the truth in love, and let God guide people in the way everlasting. This was powerful. Bravo!

[@TheRealUnkn0wn_289]

Evening events? Maybe don't worry about that, sounds strange What matters is following God, the narrow path, and having faith, not a vain worldly building that can be torn down, but God who can't be destroyed nor torn down ever like worldly buildings can be

[@ka-fl5rx]

Using the expression "love the sinner" still implies that you believe homosexuality is a sin. Until you have fully grappled with this, you will always feel this quote unquote tension about the role of LGBTQIA+ in the church. God does not makes mistakes -- people are born gay and perfect just the way they are. I pray you will someday find the perspective on your "conservative" stance and understand that everyone is deserving of *unconditional love* free from the *judgement* that homosexuality is sinful. That is not biblical love. Until your church allows gay marriage, you will be a perpetrator of church hurt.

[@null0byte]

💯 this. Reading through these comments and watching the video is observing person after person smash face first into the point and yet still not get it.

[@icecoolguita]

If the church decides to let in homosexuality in the name of love, what sin are we going to let in next? The church is becoming more worldly, it's much easier to go along with the flow of the world but gates are narrow that lead to eternal life. God's love is not the type of worldly love that accepts all sin, that's man-centered, putting our wants above God's. It means we don't love God with all our heart. God is merciful and gracious but we can't get used to that mercy and downplay the almighty God. Jesus stood for the truth and was loving because people needed salvation. We can't lie to them that homosexuality is an okay lifestyle when God will punish it in the end. We can't have love but no truth(because God created everything and He is God). If we truly understand what Christ did for us we will love Him and obey His commands, or else we will love what we physically see, people/ourselves.

[@ka-fl5rx]

@@icecoolguita Jesus never said homosexuality was a sin. Show me where the Bible says that. It's not a question of "what sin are we going to let in next." Who is harmed by homosexuality? And how? The only problem is when two men or two women who love each other cannot be married. "Do not complain, brethren, against one another, so that you yourselves may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing right at the door."

[@icecoolguita]

@@ka-fl5rx I want to ask, if it matters what God wants? If we put man before God, then our standard for morality will only be what benefits/harms humans. But if we really put God as God, then this is Gods universe. There are many sins in the Bible which had consequences even when it didn't hurt other people. The first 4 commandments in the 10 commandments aren't about harming others, but wronging God. If we are of God and have His spirit in us, then we will love God, our heart will hurt when something goes against God. The Holy Spirit is also grieved when we are okay with sin. As to which humans it harms, we can see how destructive the homosexual lifestyle is to themselves because those involved in homosexual relations have a median age of death at less than 50 years. Those who do not have homosexual relations live about 20 or 30 years longer. You can also research on domestic violence and abusive relationships in the LGBT community(happens more in LGBT relationships). I want to preface by saying I don't see myself as any better than one living in a homosexual lifestyle because I had sexual sins I refused to break out of for years. But God can really deliver one out of anything if they are willing to completely submit. We can be born with homosexual desires because we are under God's wrath but we can be freely reunited with God because Jesus willingly took our punishment for us. That's the type of love people actually need, we can be 'born-again,' breaking free from our old enslavements, walking with Christ in love. I'm not saying love God and not other people, but to follow the 2 greatest commandments in the bible. Loving God certainly doesn't mean being welcoming of sin. How many times did Jesus speak against sin? -------------------------------------------- Here are some verses regarding homosexuality in the Bible: "Do not have sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman; that is detestable." (Leviticus 18:22) "In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed shameful acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error." (Romans 1:27) "Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God."(1 Corinthians 6:9-10), "We also know that the law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, for the sexually immoral, for those practicing homosexuality, for slave traders and liars and perjurers-and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine." (1 Timothy 1:9-10) -------------------------------------------- Going with the flow of the world and accepting even the things God hates 'in the name of love' is the worlds definition of love. It's like if I give my child candy constantly because I want them to be happy, without seeing it will make them sick in the long-run. Can we agree that it's more loving to care about a persons long-term rather than their short term? This is not only true on earth, but how short will this life be compared to eternity? If we know that those who live in homosexual lifestyles will be punished eternally but say nothing, it proves we don't love them but ourselves. The LGBT community needs people to help them see the light and to know that only by being reunited with God(the source of all good and love), there they will find real love which is unlike anything on this earth that only temporarily satisfies. There is nothing on this earth that can compare with living in Christ.

[@rebekahmackenzie]

This is a great video! Is there anything I can pray for you?

[@maureenboisvert2778]

Thank you for posting this. I’ve never met a Christian that hasn’t experienced some kind of church hurt. The church’s focus on specific types of sin sin and it’s intolerance of anyone who admits certain kinds of struggles is not what God has called us to. I was 50+ years old before I understood the Lord’s Prayer “forgive us our trespasses as WE FORGIVE OTHERS” - in other words forgive me as much as I forgive my abuser/my ex/…… fill in the blank. Let alone forgive me as I forgive others for the sins they struggle with that don’t actually hurt me personally. There is a lot of virtue signalling in church communities so whenever someone holds out a hand of love and friendship to someone who identifies as LGBTQ, for instance, half of the church clutches their pearls in horror and chastises the offered hand and the other half turns away and refuses to help. So the person who understands the church’s call to be a place of grace and love and therefore acts on that understanding is rejected and shunned by the legalists in the group. I don’t know what the answer is but I dream of a church where anyone who embraces Jesus and wants to be His is welcomed to work out their issues and life openly as they seek His face and what it means to be sanctified. Paul often wrote about his struggle to do what he knew was right and not do what he knew was wrong - if he struggled why can’t we admit that we all struggle? We are saved by grace, we become more Christlike when we grow closer to Him and I would suggest that our sin becomes unbearable to carry or continue the closer we get to Jesus and His love. It’s unbearable not because Jesus condemns us but because His holiness burns so bright it burns that sin away and leaves us raw. He is love. True love. Holy love. Complete love.

[@scoobydoo316us]

Expecting people who are not perfect to have a perfect place they go to is unrealistic. Some will use that as their excuse for not going. I am where I am now because God wants me there. I have had a LOT of reasons not to still be there. From going to a promise keepers lunch and get there a little early. To find out everyone else was already there and paired up with someone. And of course there were no one left. And was not invited to be part of a group. Then we were supposed to take a bus to the big promise keepers meeting in St Louis Missouri. I get there between 30 minutes to an hour early. Find out they all left already. They decided to leave early but never called me. To them rearranging the children sunday school classes and some how they left off one age. My daughters. We actually were walking out then when someone stopped us and said they will teach that age. I am guessing it got back to the church because they did "ALLOW" her age to be included. But never said anything to us. There is nothing wrong with my daughter. Mentally or physically. She even took college courses during high school time her last 2 years. Graduated from college with a 2 year degree and then the next week graduated high school. There are lots of examples like this. So the church is not perfect. I run a ministry out of the church even. So I fully understand the church hurt stuff. BUT, We do have to be careful and not get caught up in the progressive church of a god of love of only acceptance without repentance. Not talking about sin. Not telling right from wrong. Jesus said follow His Father. Not follow yourself. Or use Him and twist things to fit a narrative. Jesus did hang out with sinners. Who were repentant. He did not join in on the sin. or accept it. God will judge based on His Word. Even if there are parts I am not crazy about. Is God allowing EVERYONE into Heaven? Is there qualifications we have to meet. Not just exist so He can love us. I do have a few gay friends.(two, a girl and a guy are from my church). I do have some friends who lived with people and not married. I do have some church friends. How they are treated is not based on a title or description they have or a life style. They know my beliefs because I love them enough to share what the bible says. And they know I will be there for them if they ever need me. The church is also not a social gathering. It's a place of Worship. It is also a place that can help people. Be there for them. But not change their doctrine to allow the world to change the church instead of the church changing the world. I am sure some will not like what I said. But if you can use God's Word to show it is wrong. Then feel free to explain without just saying God is love. Or Jesus didn't say this or that. But Jesus said follow His Father. A house divided can not stand. I debated if I should even say anything. But kept feeling like I should. Then it turned into all of this. If I didn't care I wouldn't say anything. Hopefully I said it in a way that is not taken wrong. Like I don't care. But again. I see so many people who one day will stand before God to be judged and He will say "He never knew them.". I don't want you or others to LOVE THEM INTO HELL instead of sharing all of God's Word. Showing True Love. Pray for me as I pray for others.

[@samanthareninger4667]

I was with you until you tell Maddie she isn't enough...because you ended up doing exactly what she ran from...You said I don't condone her lifestyle

[@CrazedTacoEater852]

I see a lot of people saying they were hurt by the church, but never actually saying what they did.. Can any of you please elaborate exactly what the church did to you?

[@narcolepticmama]

You had me clear up until you started preaching. Hyping Maddie up and then tearing her right back down by bearing testimony of this thing that she doesn't believe in. This. Is. Why. Christianity turns people off. Mormonism completely ruined Jesus for me, and if Jesus is real and I die tomorrow, he either has to accept and forgive that I didn't have the capacity to figure it out, or I don't want to be with him. Your testimony is not going to be helpful in this situation.

[@bethany3914]

Just a heads up that she's changed the song name to 'If It's Not God' so might be worth changing your video title. Thanks so much for this