Is the cheater seeking forgiveness or really just accountability?

Then David confessed to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.” Nathan replied, “Yes, but the Lord has forgiven you, and you won’t die for this sin. Nevertheless, because you have shown utter contempt for the word of the Lord by doing this, your child will die.” -2 Samuel 12:13-14, NLT Is the cheater asking for forgiveness or simply seeking to avoid … Continue reading “Is the cheater seeking forgiveness or really just accountability?”

Weitnauer apology to Ravi Zacharias sexting scandal alleged victim Lori Anne Thompson

An excellent apology was made public by an RZIM employee recently. His name is Carson Weitnauer. It is posted on his blog, Reasons for God (apology found here). I encourage you to go visit the website and read the apology for yourself.  It is well-done in my opinion. He makes it publicly as this is a … Continue reading “Weitnauer apology to Ravi Zacharias sexting scandal alleged victim Lori Anne Thompson”

Some sick people poke you for a reaction. Don’t give them the satisfaction!

A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls. -Proverbs 25:28, NLT For God will never give you the spirit of fear, but the Holy Spirit who gives you mighty power, love, and self-control. -2 Timothy 1:7, TPT Some cheaters thrive off of provoking the faithful spouse to anger. I believe this. It … Continue reading “Some sick people poke you for a reaction. Don’t give them the satisfaction!”

A real apology or a real manipulation?

Yesterday, I stumbled over an excellent article about the art of making good apologies plus how to recognize non-apologies. The article is: “How to Recognize—and Respond to—a Fake Apology: Before accepting an apology, you first have to determine if it’s genuine.” By Molly Howes, Ph.D. I recommend reading it. This both helps in spotting manipulations … Continue reading “A real apology or a real manipulation?”

Spiritually Dangerous!

“But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars–they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.” -Revelations 21:8, NIV (emphasis mine) What if pastors led with this verse from Jesus to cheaters as opposed … Continue reading “Spiritually Dangerous!”

Reminding self: Why would you want that back?!

Forgiveness is not the same thing as forgetting. In fact, I would suggest “forgetting” is just “denial” by another name. What helped me in both forgiving and moving on from my ex-wife was writing out what she actually did. Having this list in mind is very useful. Such a list is helpful in dealing with … Continue reading “Reminding self: Why would you want that back?!”

Validation needs to come long before forgiveness talk

Then they sat on the ground with him for seven days and nights. No one said a word to Job, for they saw that his suffering was too great for words. -Job 2:13, NLT Please do not underestimate how traumatic and disorienting discovering marital infidelity is! Speaking from my personal experience as well as from … Continue reading “Validation needs to come long before forgiveness talk”

Wish I would be invited to teach seminary students on adultery and divorce

If I could write my own ticket, I would teach a seminary class on helping adultery victims and holding cheaters accountable. -Included in this class would be a primer on how divorce is not always sin as well as how divorce can be a mercy to victims of infidelity. Anger and ire ought to be … Continue reading “Wish I would be invited to teach seminary students on adultery and divorce”

“Root of bitterness” manipulation

See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. Hebrews 12:15, NIV In order to avoid the discomfort of facing injustice and naming it as such, some Christians turn on faithful spouses calling them “bitter.” They are too spineless to … Continue reading ““Root of bitterness” manipulation”

When a cheater declines offer to rebuild marriage…

“Even if she cheated on me, I would still stay with her and try to make the marriage work,” says faithful spouse. “You’d just hold that over her head forever,” replies cheater apologist. When this is the mentality or response from the cheater side, you know the marriage is done. This sort of response exposes … Continue reading “When a cheater declines offer to rebuild marriage…”