Everyone has been hurt or wounded — whether physically, emotionally or spiritually. The lasting effects can be devastating.
Those hurt physically may carry scars the rest of their lives, a constant reminder of their negligence or the negligence of others. With each painful step, with each push of a wheelchair, or each glance in the mirror, the reminder is there.
Emotional injuries also last a long time, and their effects can be passed on to others — either consciously or unconsciously. Think about those who treat their spouses or children the same way they saw a parent treat another; or how those who were bullied turn into bullies later in life.
Spiritual wounds also have long-lasting effects. Through another Christian's careless words, false hopes that can be instilled, prayers answered in a way not liked or understood and church-goers' seeming hypocrisy, people can feel disillusioned, angry or bitter.
Yes, other people fail us. We fail them, too. We are all human beings and fall far short of perfection.
Please remember, however, that you have been loved long before the world knew who you were or hurt you.
Long before physical scars appeared, long before emotional bruises set in and long before people of faith disappointed you, God knew you and loved you.
A loving God brought you into this life. The world may appear to not care one whit about you. People may continue to dig at you emotionally. People in church — including pastors — may continue to disappoint you. But God is always faithful.
God never acts with evil intent. God never acts maliciously. God is constantly faithful and loving — which sometimes includes disciplining his children, just as any loving parent must do.
If you doubt God’s love for you and how God wants what is best for you, look at what he has done to prove it.
He came to Earth in the person of Jesus Christ and allowed Jesus to be nailed to a cross. That sacrifice alone — as unloving as it may appear on the surface — was the greatest act of love the world has ever seen.
The Rev. Mark Broadhead is pastor at Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: BROADHEAD: People disappoint, but God remains faithful