Hi DM – Today was rough for me. A woman at my church asked how I was, and I answered where things are at…awful and that court is next month. Once she learned we were actually divorcing and not just staying separated she shared her stand that divorce is always sin, and how God hates … Continue reading “Dear DM, I read Piper’s book and thought I had to stay in my marriage.”
Category: Emotional Affair
PSA: The Doormat Is NOT the High Ground!
I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people— not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world. But now I am writing to you that you must not associate … Continue reading “PSA: The Doormat Is NOT the High Ground!”
Adultery Is a Bigger Problem Than Just One Sexual Act!
“‘But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them. For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. These are what defile a person….’” – Jesus in Matthew 15:18-20a, NIV. While one act of adultery is horrible enough, I suspect … Continue reading “Adultery Is a Bigger Problem Than Just One Sexual Act!”
Shake Off Their Dust!
And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them. -Luke 9:5, KJV Jesus gave us a ministry of reconciliation (see 2 Corinthians 5:18), yet Jesus told His Disciples to move on if this ministry was rejected! Cheaters reject godly reconciliation … Continue reading “Shake Off Their Dust!”
My Evangelical Marriage Helpline Experience
Calling the Focus on the Family® Helpline When the Other Man was revealed to me, I called a helpline to figure out my next steps. Specifically, I called the Focus on the Family® Helpline (1-855-771-HELP (4357)). It actually was supportive for me. My mother had called earlier and had a very bad experience with the … Continue reading “My Evangelical Marriage Helpline Experience”
Two Practical Strategies for Peace
“…and the truth shall make you free.” -John 8:32b, KJV Two Practical Strategies for Peace When I was recovering from my divorce from my cheater, two particular strategies helped me the most. 1. Identify the “handles,” “triggers,” or otherwise unwanted labels/identities that you vehemently are trying to avoid. An effective manipulator is able to hone … Continue reading “Two Practical Strategies for Peace”
Divorce Minister’s Take On the Ethics of AAMFT
Thou shalt not commit adultery. -Exodus 20:14, KJV Divorce Minister’s Take On the Ethics of AAMFT For those who are unfamiliar, the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) is a–if not THE— major professional association for marriage therapists in the United States. You can read their ethics statement by clicking (here). Today’s post … Continue reading “Divorce Minister’s Take On the Ethics of AAMFT”
The Tragedy of the Ending
The LORD said to Samuel, “How long will you mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and be on your way….” -I Samuel 16:1a, NIV The Tragedy of the Ending Just because we have accepted the end of the marriage due to the adultery does … Continue reading “The Tragedy of the Ending”
Alcohol and Cheaters
You know the song: “Love and Marriage?” As it applies to infidelity from what I hear and know, I think it could be rewritten with the lyrics… “Booze and cheating, booze and cheating…” Alcohol can impair judgment. But I do not buy the cheater excuse that the “alcohol made me do it.” They never ought … Continue reading “Alcohol and Cheaters”
Engage in empathy to avoid errors
“Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.” -Matthew 7:12, NLT Engage in Empathy to Avoid Errors So many of the pastoral care errors I encountered and have heard about could be avoided if those pastors … Continue reading “Engage in empathy to avoid errors”