Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, keep the commandments.” “Which ones?” he inquired. Jesus replied, “‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony…” -Matthew 19:17b-18, NIV Keeping the Ten Commandments are required for entering (eternal) life per … Continue reading “Most basic moral code failure”
Category: Forgiveness
My mistake in re-engaging
The Other Man was discovered. I wrote a letter to my (then) wife letting her know I would not tolerate her cheating anymore. She could either choose to work to prove to me that her cheating days were over, or she could expect me to terminate my relationship–friendship included–with her permanently. Obviously, she chose the … Continue reading “My mistake in re-engaging”
Only 27 Percent of Protestant Pastors Believe “Adultery” Permanently Disqualifying!
Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach…. -I Timothy 3:2, NIV (Emphasis mine) LifeWay Research just published a study on Protestant pastor views on restoration of pastors after committing “adultery.” The results are not so surprising to me. Only 27% are willing to … Continue reading “Only 27 Percent of Protestant Pastors Believe “Adultery” Permanently Disqualifying!”
Pro-Tip: Faithful spouses need condemnation free spaces, pastors!
Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No one—for God himself has given us right standing with himself. Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us…. -Romans 8:33-34a, NLT What faithful spouses need more than spiritual advice are people willing to listen to them without condemnation. Faithful spouses are recovering … Continue reading “Pro-Tip: Faithful spouses need condemnation free spaces, pastors!”
Cheater-Speak: God forgives me.
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,” says “Christian” Cheater. “Really?! What work have … Continue reading “Cheater-Speak: God forgives me.”
God requires repentance!
When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relented and did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened. – Jonah 3:10, NIV To advert absolute destruction by God, the Ninevites repented and God mercifully relented from carrying out His judgment upon them. This is the clear pattern of … Continue reading “God requires repentance!”
Empty Religious Language Manipulations
“I only say this because I love you.” -Christian busybody “For your own good, I hope you have forgiven them.” -Concerned Christian I cannot stand people who use the name of Christ to manipulate other Christians. This is the result of my experiences around the dissolution of my first marriage. I sadly encountered many “Christians” … Continue reading “Empty Religious Language Manipulations”
Forgiveness “Concern” Versus Repentance “Concern”
…and if you see him going the wrong direction, cry out and correct him. If there is true repentance on his part, forgive him. -Luke 17:3, TPT I wonder if you have experienced versions of these questions or statements. They usually come from well-meaning (but emotionally and biblically tone-deaf) Christians: “So, have you forgiven her?” … Continue reading “Forgiveness “Concern” Versus Repentance “Concern””
Telling the story
Telling the story of what happened is important if we want to change how people treat faithful spouses. The larger narrative starts to change when people learn that their friend, colleague, or even family member was mistreated by a cheater. It changes because they are emotionally invested in you and your hurts matter to them. … Continue reading “Telling the story”
Easier to blame than repent and do the self work
But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily unto God: yea, let them turn every one from his evil way, and from the violence that is in their hands. -Jonah 3:8, KJV Let’s be honest: Repenting and facing one’s “demons” is hard work! This is why I think it is rarely done. The … Continue reading “Easier to blame than repent and do the self work”