How We Talk About His Bride

This last Wednesday, I was doing some work in a coffee shop when I began to get distracted by a conversation that was going on a few tables over from mine. There, two individuals were complaining, unashamedly, about the shortcomings of another man’s bride. “She’s a hypocrite” they said. “She’s judgmental” they bemoaned. “She’s really only interested in money, comfort, and entertainment.” On and on it went.

And I just sat there stunned. I mean, you don’t just go around publicly bashing another man’s bride, do you? Especially when it’s Jesus’. See because what these two, apparently Christian individuals were doing in that moment, was complaining about the church.

Christians, do we realize that the Christian church is Jesus’ beloved? Jesus’ betrothed (2 Cor. 11:2). Jesus’ bride (Rev. 19:7). The one Jesus will sit down to table with at the marriage supper of the Lamb in Heaven (Rev. 19:9)?

Is the Christian church perfect? Certainly not. Can the church be disappointing? Of course, it’s made up of sinners. But make no mistake — Jesus has committed himself to the church. He loves and has given himself up for the church. So, Christians, may we strive to talk lovingly about her.

Prayer of Confession

Father, forgive us for the times when we have failed to love the church, failed to speak well about the church, failed to give grace, or demonstrate commitment, or labor in hope toward the betterment of the church. Show us that this is no small thing. That belittling the community you call holy is not okay.

And as we experience difficulties within the church, give us wisdom and grace to handle them well. We don’t want to seek to heal our wounds by bashing your bride. Make us honest, yes. Make us humble, yes. And more than anything, make us long-suffering, full of grace, always ready to forgive, and listen, and extend charitable judgment to one another. Make us more holy, Lord. And now, enable us in this moment to confess these and our many other sins to you in silent confession.