Proverbs 17:9 (New Living Translation), “Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends.”

You have probably seen on social media the “perfect family” or that “perfect couple.” Social media presents polished snapshots that make life appear smooth. They are moments that can be refined to appear as though things are always smooth sailing. The reality is that in every relationship and in every family system, there will be struggle, conflict, and even failure. But what if these are not weaknesses, but vital components for great relationships? A 2016 Time magazine article observed that couples who remained together in the long term were happier than those who separated, provided the relationship was not toxic or dangerous to either spouse. Karl Pillemer of Cornell University is quoted in the article as saying, “Everybody—100%—said at one point that the long marriage was the best thing in their lives. But all of them also said that marriage is hard — really hard.” Relationships are hard. Even being a church family is hard. To endure together, however, is worth it. So how do we endure? Proverbs tells us that when forgiveness is practiced, then love will flourish. Conversely, when grudges are kept or constantly brought up, close relationships eventually fracture. My heart has grown big towards our church family. As with many churches, struggles are real, but you have persevered. The grace of God certainly sustained this community through every trial. It is God's grace expressed through the people who chose forgiveness and sticking together that has allowed our community to endure. Only the Enemy delights in broken relationships and division. But Christ grants us the grace to forgive. We forgive not because people deserve it, but because Christ first forgave us. I cannot promise too many things, but I can promise this one thing: when the honeymoon stage as your new pastor ends, I am certain that there will be a point that I step on someone's toes for I am imperfect. But if we take the wisdom of Proverbs, we can come together to name the hurt and then move to forgiveness. We will be able to endure even more together. May we hold to and practice this grace at RB Community frequently. It is good to be with you in this season of our church at RB Community! Walking with you, Pastor Jason