I have had a number of responses from people who either heard my testimony in person, listened to the audio recording, or read it on my blog. I have been a bit blown away. The whole process is humbling, but if anything, I have been so very thankful that The Lord is willing to use someone for His glory who lived like I did.
I heard a few different responses--confirmation for one young woman that her church did the right thing placing someone in leadership from her home church under discipline; a woman who doesnt like confrontation, and didn't realize that her lack of confrontation could actually be unloving; men who were thankful for a church and godly leadership willing to follow biblical principles.
A friend in another state forwarded it to her pastoral team who, while I was telling one church about God's redemption through church discipline, they were putting someone out of the church under discipline. I am so thankful that this story has been able to encourage another! It is very tough on church leadership to take this last step. It is heart wrenching. I am humbled to know this story was able to encourage them in this season.
The fact this story has been so far reaching and encouraging to other believers makes my heart sing--for His glory alone!!
Thank you to those of you who share this story and help to encourage others in following this biblical practice. I can honestly say I don't know where I would be had the church not done their part.
There is a mixture, a tension of personal responsibility and divine "interference" if you will in this... I cannot explain it adequately, but The Lord honors those who obey His Word. Might I have returned to the church had they not been obedient to the Word? Maybe... But more than likely, no. I returned because I KNEW they loved me--they loved me enough to discipline me. They cared. They were family.
Faith Community Church... I love you. Thank you for loving me!
Soli Deo Gloria!