The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. -2 Peter 3:9, NIV While this verse is more about Christ’s second coming, I figure it is a good verse to talk about end things in general. … Continue reading “The question of Hell.”
Category: Forgiveness
The goal is peace, NOT friendship!
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. -Romans 12:18, NIV Notice what this verse does and does NOT say: 1. It does NOT say–or set the expectation–that we are friends with everyone. 2. It DOES say–i.e. acknowledges–that peace with some people is impossible. These are very important … Continue reading “The goal is peace, NOT friendship!”
Annoying advice about “owning your part” to avoid “bitterness”
The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him. -Ezekiel 18:20, KJV Some Christians think talking about “your … Continue reading “Annoying advice about “owning your part” to avoid “bitterness””
I CAN pray for their spiritual wellness.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. -Romans 12:14, NIV Pray for your abuser? Pray for your cheater? This is common advice given in Christian circles. I am not completely sure that it is good advice. That is just my opinion. I find the verse above has a context of speaking about … Continue reading “I CAN pray for their spiritual wellness.”
Be best friends with your ex? No, Christian, you don’t.
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and when you have succeeded, you make them twice as much a child of hell as you are.” -Matthew 23:15, NIV Public Service Announcement: Faithful spouses, you don’t have to become BFFs with … Continue reading “Be best friends with your ex? No, Christian, you don’t.”
No “Smiting Shelters” Allowed!
Jonah had gone out and sat down at a place east of the city. There he made himself a shelter, sat in its shade and waited to see what would happen to the city. – Jonah 4:5, NIV And so, Jonah built himself a shelter to watch God, hopefully, smite the Ninevites. He made … Continue reading “No “Smiting Shelters” Allowed!”
Life legacy and fleeting nature of our lives
Our days on earth are like grass; like wildflowers, we bloom and die. -Psalm 103:15, NLT How fleeting and short life is. This was impressed upon me recently when a good friend was killed with his wife in a car accident. We do not know when our final day is. A cheater lives as if … Continue reading “Life legacy and fleeting nature of our lives”
Depart from me?!
21 “Not every one that saith unto me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? … Continue reading “Depart from me?!”
The verse does not say…
Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay,” saith the Lord. -Romans 12:19, KJV I find this verse instructive as it comes to forgiving cheaters. First, it tells us to release to God our fantasies of taking revenge on our abusers. Many … Continue reading “The verse does not say…”
Podcast resource on topic of biblical forgiveness
Forgiveness is such a tricky subject to handle as it comes to marital infidelity. Many Christians–including pastors and counselors–get it wrong as to what it means to forgive. Today, I am including a link to a recent podcast by Julie Roys, The Roys Report, as she explores the topic of biblical forgiveness: “What Does Forgiveness Really … Continue reading “Podcast resource on topic of biblical forgiveness”