Rev. Bill Hybels of the megachurch fame is in the news. He is the latest of those touched–whether justly or unjustly–by the #MeToo era. I am not going to go into the blow by blow of the situation. You can read the details of the story from Chicago Tribune (here) and Christianity Today (here). … Continue reading “Rev. Bill Hybels and Willow Creek Church deny sexual impropriety accusations”
Category: Emotional Affair
Freeing and Punishing Truth
“But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” -Matthew 12:36-37, NIV When reconstructing one’s narrative, truth can be both freeing and punishing. It is … Continue reading “Freeing and Punishing Truth”
Faithful Spouses no less forgiving than Jesus…
“If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you…. and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.” -Jesus in Matthew 18:15a, 17b, NIV Was Jesus being “unforgiving” to demand the offender listen to their victim? Christians … Continue reading “Faithful Spouses no less forgiving than Jesus…”
Fear God, Not “Man”
Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe. -Proverbs 29:25, NIV Fearing what the cheater or other Christians think of you is very real for faithful spouses. This fear is one of the many reasons faithful spouses stay stuck in abusive relationships where the … Continue reading “Fear God, Not “Man””
Handling Self-Righteous, Religious Pricks
“And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own? … Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye…” – Matthew 7:3, 5a, NLT When I was going through my trials, I had no shortage of religious people willing to “help” me see my “sin” or … Continue reading “Handling Self-Righteous, Religious Pricks”
A godly aversion.
The righteous detest the dishonest; the wicked detest the upright. -Proverbs 29:27, NIV When I was looking at this chapter in Proverbs, this particular verse jumped out at me. The language is awfully strong in its condemnation of dishonesty. I could not help but apply it to matters of infidelity. God’s heart towards dishonesty is … Continue reading “A godly aversion.”
Lock the doors, grieve the loss, and don’t be a jerk!
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted And saves those who are crushed in spirit.” -Psalm 34:18, NASB Metaphors, while being imperfect approximations, often can help us grasp difficult and complex truths conveying both intellectual and emotional freight with vivid imagery. Here’s my shot on explaining by metaphor why focusing on forgiveness first after adultery is cruel: Imagine … Continue reading “Lock the doors, grieve the loss, and don’t be a jerk!”
Reminder: Don’t eat “rocks!”
The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.’” – Luke 4:3-4, NIV Even legitimate needs can be filled illicitly. Today’s verses come from the story of The Great Temptation. It was Jesus versus Satan. And … Continue reading “Reminder: Don’t eat “rocks!””
But…but I want to stay married!!!
At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship and said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.” -Job 1:20-21, NIV Shame … Continue reading “But…but I want to stay married!!!”
Cheater-speak: “God forgives me. So, what’s your problem?!”
Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. -Matthew 5:23-24, NKJV “God forgives me. So what’s your problem?!” -Cheater Does … Continue reading “Cheater-speak: “God forgives me. So, what’s your problem?!””