The Church Isn’t Perfect, But She’s Still His

You can love Jesus and still feel weary of the Church.

You can believe in grace and still feel the weight of grief.
You can know the Church is the Bride of Christ and still wrestle with the wounds caused by His people.

If you’ve found yourself on the edge of giving up on the Church, you’re not alone. But here’s the good news: the Church isn’t finished yet. And the One who calls her His Bride hasn’t given up on her either.

Christ’s Love for His Bride

In Ephesians 5, Paul describes the relationship between Christ and the Church using the sacred metaphor of marriage:

“Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her, that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word…” (Ephesians 5:25–26, ESV)

This love isn’t passive—it’s sacrificial.
It doesn’t ignore her flaws; it cleanses them.
It doesn’t pretend she’s perfect; it makes her holy.

The Church Is Still Becoming

Sanctification is a process.

The Church is being sanctified.
Not already spotless, but being washed.
Not already radiant, but being made ready.

This is Christ’s work. He is both the Bridegroom and the Refiner. He doesn’t abandon His Bride when she stumbles—He draws near and purifies her.

It’s Okay to Grieve

It’s okay to grieve what the Church has done—or failed to do.
It’s okay to wrestle with disappointment, even anger.

But don’t let grief convince you that God is finished working through His people. Yes, the Church is flawed. But she is also chosen. She is being restored, renewed, and refined—not by our strength, but by Christ’s love.

A Call to Look Again

If you’ve stepped back from the Church, it’s okay. If you’re healing, take your time.

But when you’re ready, I hope you’ll look again—and see not just the brokenness, but also the beauty Christ still sees. Because, although the Church isn’t perfect, she is still His.

A Prayer for Healing from Church Hurt

Jesus, thank You for not giving up on Your Church, even when I’ve wanted to. Heal the parts of me that have been hurt, and soften the places that have grown guarded. Teach me to see Your Bride the way You do: as loved, chosen, and being made holy. Amen.