forgiveness

Yes, I realize it has been awhile since I've posted anything.  It's not due to a lack of things going on.  Lots of things have been happening at church.  God continues to move and do amazing things at Moran Park.  Sunday, I got to witness one of those things.

The previous Sunday after the service, there was an argument that got out of hand and someone was head-butted.  The details aren't important but what is important is the outcome.  The guy who instigated the incident thought it was best to leave the church.  I reminded him that wasn't what the church was about.  It is about repenting when we make mistakes, receiving the forgiveness of the faith community and then moving on.  This guy was amazed that I didn't just tell him to leave.  He apologized to those involved privately, dropped all charges and apologized publicly on Sunday. 

We have never done a public apology since I've been at Moran Park so I assured everyone we wouldn't be doing public apologies every time someone makes a mistake.  This was a public incident and we felt a public apology was best.  I also reminded the church that we never bring someone up front to shame them or humiliate them but to walk along side of them and celebrate their repentance with them.

He apologized and the church warmly embraced him.  It is a joy for me to be at a place that so greatly values the unity of the church.  We got to see what we've been studying in 1 Corinthians lived out in front of our eyes.  It was a beautiful thing.