When you first came to the church, you probably did it against your own will. You didn’t want to come, but you did it anyway, and that first visit was the start of your new life.

When the Pastor said that you had to come back every week and make a Chain of Prayer to achieve what you wanted, that idea was contradictory to you. However, the pain spoke louder. You came and received your deliverance.

When you found out, through a preaching, that you had to forgive, it contradicted how you felt. But you obeyed, forgave and got rid of what was hurting you.

When you heard about tithes and offerings, it contradicted your “pockets”, but when you discovered that it was God’s will, you started doing it, reluctantly. As a consequence, you prospered.

When you understood that you had to give much more than money— your whole life— you resisted for a long time. But one day, there you were before the altar, giving your life to God. After that, everything changed because you received All of God: The Holy Spirit.

Years passed. You shared your testimony with many people, won souls and began to serve God (sometimes you did it against your will, but you served Him and did your best because you knew it was for Him). You were given responsibilities and a title in the church. You became an example.

Then, one day, you thought you deserved respect and recognition for the position you held. You thought you had the right to your own opinion, and you no longer accepted to be contradicted. So, you lost.

Yes, you lost everything you conquered when you denied everything you preached. You lost when you forgot how you came – broken, confused, humiliated – and made a point of leaving arrogantly, as if you had the monopoly on truth, implying that, somehow, the church that welcomed you is no longer good enough for you. Now, you’re better. You know better and you think you can do better.

So, go. We will not contradict you anymore.

And apologies for any inconvenience.

 Bishop Renato Cardoso