Faith Beyond the Failures of Others

Author: ettie.v

Author Location: Germiston, South Africa

Serving God for Who He Is, Not Who People Say He Is

Read Ps. 103:3-14

“He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him.” — Psalm 103:10–11 (NIV)

When the Church Leaves Scars

There are moments when the Church—meant to be a refuge of grace—becomes the place where our deepest wounds are formed.

Maybe it happened when someone questioned your salvation because you came out. Maybe it was the silence of friends when you needed their voice the most. Maybe it was the feeling of being unseen in a place that sings about the God who sees.

Psalm 103 speaks to the heart of God, a heart that is often misrepresented by those who claim to follow Him:

“The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.” (v. 8)

What a contrast this is to the coldness, the harshness, and the judgment many of us have experienced. But here is the truth: God is not like people, even people in the Church.

God’s Character Is Not Up for Debate

If your heart bears scars left by those who were supposed to show you Jesus, you are not alone.

God knows your story. He knows the ache of betrayal, the sting of rejection. And still, He draws near with compassion. He binds wounds others have caused. He lifts up the weary with kindness, not condemnation.

“He redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion.” (v. 4)

There is a holy invitation here: to disentangle your view of God from the actions of those who misrepresented Him. You are not serving a failed system or a flawed institution. You are serving the One who has never failed you.

A Faith That Endures

This doesn’t mean we overlook harm or stay silent in the face of injustice. But it does mean we choose, again and again, to fix our eyes on the One who is gracious, merciful, and faithful.

We worship not because people are worthy, but because God is.

“He knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.” (v. 14)

He sees us—all of us. And He stays.

Reflection Questions

Have I allowed the failures of others to shape my view of who God is?

What would it look like to worship God freely again—not for who others say He is, but for who He has revealed Himself to be?

What scarred place in my heart needs to be healed by the compassion of God?

A Prayer for the Wounded and Willing

Lord,

I carry wounds not just from life but from Your people. Sometimes it feels safer to keep my distance, even from You. But I hear You calling—gently, patiently—reminding me of Your heart. Heal what others have hurt. Renew my view of You. Help me serve You not because others always reflect You well, but because You are good, and You are worthy.

Amen.

A Call to Action

Take one small step to reclaim your relationship with God—not because others deserve it, but because He does.

Sing a worship song you love.

Write a letter to God about your pain.

Reach out to someone safe who reflects His love well.

Whatever it looks like for you, let it be your offering. Not to those who failed you, but to the God who never will.