I am glad that things are quieting down in the church I wrote about. Unfortunately, not everything could be worked out with everyone, so there is now a new church forming. I know that some will always want the worst for the other group - that's a shame. I mean really, that is shameful. On the other hand a lot of people will want to let bygones be bygones. I hope that is not held to be acceptable also.

Let it not be forgotten that this was not a difference of opinion. I do not mean, "let us keep a record of wrongs." I only want not to have our sins recast as though they were a bad-hair day. We all know that bad character develops....well, more bad character. That wrongs may be forgiven by the offended does not help the offender to practice repentance. Forgive, but do not present your hand to a biting dog. Forgive, but do not expect.

That reminds me of a story...

This week a ran into a woman who used to go to my church. She had been sweet and my children loved her very much. For a while she was influenced by another lady who was not so well motivated and who worked for my early retirement from this ministry. They met with me and my church leaders to accuse me of false teaching. I felt as though this younger woman was being used and manipulated, but under those circumstances I could not do anything for her. Anyway this week, when we ran into each other, she apologised. It made me cry that we had been estranged. And I was so proud of her for wanting to get rid of that old baggage.

So I told her a story about when I signed my name to a list of accusations against a good man. I was ashamed when I did it, but I was afraid for my job and my reputation. I somehow thought that it was more helpful for my reputation to cowardly sign something I did not believe, than to stand up and say no. I carried that cowardly betrayal on my shoulders for more than a decade. Then one day I went to a seminar where the man I had accused was to speak. I went to him and said, "You don't know me, but I hurt you..." And I told him the story. He gave me a hug and merely said, that was a long time ago.

I was grateful to have the opportunity to do that same thing for my sister and reclaimed friend.

May God bless you richly as you seek reconciliation with broken relationships.