Sometimes you hear someone say, “I’ll tell you what’s wrong with this church.” It seems like some people get a strange pleasure from saying this and then point out all the ways that they think a church is falling short.

    Virtually every church has many things that it is doing right. Most churches have wonderful ministers that are serving sacrificially, singers who volunteer their time, Sunday school teachers who prepare lessons and come early to be ready to teach, others who will come early to open up and prepare the facilities, folks who visit the sick and help with food in difficult times, and volunteers that keep up the grounds and clean the church building.

    It is such a blessing to see the faithfulness of people who have attended and served faithfully for years through both the good and the bad. Many people tithe and give offerings from their hard work and finances, support missionaries around the world, and then often help with local helps ministries, too. Many churches have youth and children’s ministries, men’s and women’s ministries and outreach ministries.

    The apostle Paul commanded us, “In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV) and mentions, “edification” or “building up” others and the church as a whole. (Found 7 times in 1 Corinthians 14!) In other words, finding God’s blessings in His church and His people is important!

Let’s be thankful for these things.

    Rather than being fault-finding and pointing out all the things wrong with our churches, wouldn’t it be better to point out all the things that are right, to notice people that are doing things well, and giving thanks for what is good. Let’s be thankful for these things. Most areas have many wonderful churches. We should be thankful God has blessed us with the one that most blesses us!

    Let’s speak well of our own churches and refuse to speak evil of other people’s congregations. Let’s seek to be a source of encouragement for the people of God and a blessing to the God of our people!

Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. (Ephesians 4:29)