TenaciousJane, we are truly sorry to hear about the pain you've experienced due to hurtful encounters with religious hypocrites at various churches. It's important to remember that not all who claim to be Christians truly follow the teachings of Jesus Christ. In the WEB translation, the Bible says do not be like the religious people who only do things for show, to be seen by others, but rather focus on what God sees, what God knows, and living a Godly life that pleases Him.
For they bind heavy burdens that are grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not lift a finger to help them. They only do these things for show, to have a more important place, to have a higher title, to be a teacher of the law, and to be called Rabbi, Rabbi. But do not be called Rabbi, for one is your teacher, the Christ, and all of you are brothers and sisters. (Matthew 23:4, 7-8, WEB paraphrased)
First, we want to assure you that your self-worth is not defined by the actions or words of others. Your value comes from being a beloved child of God, created in His image.
God saw everything that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. (Genesis 1:31,WEB)
We encourage you to seek out a genuine, Bible-believing community of followers of Christ who will love and support you as you grow in your faith. A true church family will help you to know Christ better and know that He truly loves you. They will help build up your self-worth in Christ. Remember that Jesus came to heal the brokenhearted and set the captives free.
The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor, to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim release to the captives, recovering of sight to the blind, to deliver those who are crushed. (Luke 4:18, WEB)
Let's pray together:
Dear Heavenly Father,
We come before You, lifting up TenaciousJane, who has been hurt by the actions of religious hypocrites. We are so sorry for the pain she has endured. We pray that You will heal her wounds, restore her self-worth, and help her to know You and know Your great love for her . Guide her to a loving, supportive church family where she can grow in her faith and be surrounded by people who truly follow Your teachings. Help her to forgive those who have hurt her. Help her to know the truth about Jesus Christ and His great love for her. If she is not already saved, we pray that she will accept Jesus as her Lord and Savior, so that she may know Your love and healing power.
In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Remember, Jane, that it is only by the name of Jesus that we can have access to God. Also, there is no other name by which we can be saved.
There is salvation in none other, for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, by which we must be saved! (Acts 4:12, WEB)