This morning's scripture may be a very difficult passage.

This morning's scripture might be a very difficult passage…
… "Accept injustice," "Let yourself be deceived"…
That's not the same as "don't cause trouble" or "avoid conflict" within the church.
… Conflict among Christians hinders the spread of the Gospel…😰.
It makes people think, "Is that all they can do even if they believe in Jesus…🤔"
…
… It becomes a stumbling block and a target of ridicule.
… The church is… a gathering of sinners.
… What I'm learning as a pastor is…
… that even deliberately acting as if you're being deceived is important…😳❓️
And I try to intercede in prayer for that person❗️.
… I deliberately don't criticize.
That's how Jesus was.
His disciple Judas… was in charge of accounting,
but he stole money from there.
He probably thought Jesus didn't know... 😓
However, Jesus... led Judas to repentance.
But... 😢
You all know the result, don't you?
...Ultimately, it comes down to God's judgment.
...I've decided to forgive, so I don't feel much stress.
...Sometimes...let yourself be deceived.
It can surprisingly be an opportunity to rebuild relationships!
Shalom 😃

This page archives a Morning Word message shared by Pastor Peter Sunagawa on LINE. The English prose is a translation of the Japanese source message. For Scripture wording, use the BSB link above.