“Well, I never said anything bad about you to our friends.” -Cheater Show of virtual “hands:” Who has heard a version of this from his or her cheater? I “see” those “hands.” Permit me to share a couple observations of what is happening when a cheater speaks like this: 1. This is a damage control … Continue reading “Cheater-Speak: “Well, I never said anything bad about you to our friends.””
Category: Forgiveness
Learning from Jonah: Do NOT Build a “Smiting Shelter!”
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 “Learning from Jonah: Do NOT Build a “Smiting Shelter!””
Cheaters are not “winners.”
So he swore an oath to him, selling his birthright to Jacob. Then Jacob gave Esau some bread and some lentil stew. He ate and drank, and then got up and left. So Esau despised his birthright. -Genesis 25:33-34, NIV My integrity is not for sale. It is very precious to me. If I break my promise, this valuing … Continue reading “Cheaters are not “winners.””
On Hearing God Amidst Infidelity Madness
For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children. -Romans 8:16, NLT So, you have discovered that your spouse has been unfaithful. He (or she) cheated on you and hid the double life with copious lies for months and possibly years. Now, you must decide what you do with new information. What does … Continue reading “On Hearing God Amidst Infidelity Madness”
Christians, you don’t have to be friends with your cheating ex! Really.
“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 “Christians, you don’t have to be friends with your cheating ex! Really.”
Stupid Stuff (Naive) Christians Say
Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues. -Proverbs 17:28 More Christians could learn from that fool from Proverbs 17:28 who held his tongue when it comes to marriages ravaged by adultery. Sadly, the advice and condemnation come all too freely for faithful spouses. Here a few … Continue reading “Stupid Stuff (Naive) Christians Say”
Mailbag: Is NOT divorcing my unrepentant cheater a sin?
“Not filing to divorce an unrepentant cheating spouse is also enabling but do you think it’s dishonoring Christ by not filing? Also, if that is the case (enabling and dishonoring Christ) wouldn’t not filing actually be a sin and against Gods will?” -Eric Eric, That’s a good set of questions. Let me boil them down to … Continue reading “Mailbag: Is NOT divorcing my unrepentant cheater a sin?”
A Conspicuous Absence In Pastoral Training!
If you spent even a little time looking over the required curriculum for M.Div. students at most evangelical seminaries, you will notice a heavy emphasis on Biblical languages and Scripture exegesis. In my former denomination, this emphasis is reflected in their ordaining process, which pushes candidates to memorize Scripture for each doctrine of interest to the … Continue reading “A Conspicuous Absence In Pastoral Training!”
Catchy Tune About Recovering…”It Don’t Hurt Like It Used To”
While I do not condone or recommend using alcohol to deal with heart-break, I appreciate some of the lessons this catchy tune from Billy Currington highlights about recovering. Two points I particularly appreciate: The singer refuses to lie about the pain. The pain and grief is worse if we refused to acknowledge the obvious: It hurts … Continue reading “Catchy Tune About Recovering…”It Don’t Hurt Like It Used To””
Sick Secrets…
On my commute into work, I listen to a local radio station that dispenses relationship advice. This segment on KS95 is called “Love ’em or List ’em.” Today’s situation involved cheating and the advice given was mostly awful. A quick recap of the situation: Angela is the caller. She just got engaged but is sick … Continue reading “Sick Secrets…”