Dysfunctional experiences can turn people against choices towards spirituality

Dysfunctional experiences can turn people against choices towards spirituality!

This is not a premise on psychological problems that many may find themselves confronted with.  However, there are some unfortunate people that find themselves facing a background of negative rearing that challenges ministers when teaching about Christ and belief in God’s mercy.  

Take any particular instance when Jesus was confronted with doubting onlookers as he reached out and healed a man born blind.  “As he passed by he saw a man blind from birth.  His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”  Jesus answered, “Neither He nor his parents sinned; it is so that the works of God might be made visible through him.”  “We have to do the works of the one who sent me while it is day.  Night is coming when no one can work.  While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”   (Jn 9: 1 - 5). 

His narrative goes on with the Pharisees' comments regarding the blind man's opened eyes on the sabbath.  It becomes the one miracle that causes many to scrutinize what Jesus was doing.  There were too many people who could not accept Jesus and his signs in John’s Gospel.  

Being in a dysfunctional environment can become a negative approach to the truth that is needed regarding the very message that God sent his Son to impart to unbelievers.  I am certain that God knew what his Son would face, but in order to bring those who were short on discernment required patience and a tenacious attitude in order to instill faith in unbelievers.

The narrative in John’s Gospel continues with a dialogue between the Pharisees and the blind man’s parents.  Of course the story fits into this gospel as one of the signs that confirm John’s manner of telling his readers that Jesus is God, Incarnate.  

Looking around we can usually spot people who have a difficult time finding faith and using it to understand the gospel of truth that Christ showed through his life and ultimate Passion.  For the many who were brought up in dysfunctional families still have a road of discomfort because they were always put down for not accepting the essence of forgiveness and a future of eternal peace with God.  This is not their fault but an inheritance of doubt and anger because someone else instilled these feelings in the parents.  It becomes a vicious cycle that must be stopped. 

This scenario is part of our ministry to work while it is daylight; the words of Jesus meaning he is the light of the world and his ministry overcomes the darkness of the world that affects the purpose of Christ’s Incarnation.

Never doubt your own ability to face those who are not so quick to accept your message; the very message that the Holy Spirit has instilled within us who teach the truth of Christ.

Ralph B. Hathaway