Category: Sin

Lock the doors, grieve the loss, and don’t be a jerk!

“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted And saves those who are crushed in spirit.”  -Psalm 34:18, NASB   Metaphors, while being imperfect approximations, often can help us grasp difficult and complex truths conveying both intellectual and emotional freight with vivid imagery. Here’s my shot on explaining by metaphor why focusing on forgiveness first after adultery is cruel: Imagine … Continue reading “Lock the doors, grieve the loss, and don’t be a jerk!”

PSA: Christianity is NOT about getting to Heaven!

The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. -John 10:10, NLT My former father-in-law (FIL) and former mother-in-law (MIL) adhered to a 1980s version of evangelical Christianity where it was about believing certain principles. While I appreciate the evangelical efforts of those … Continue reading “PSA: Christianity is NOT about getting to Heaven!”

Reminder: Don’t eat “rocks!”

The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.’”  – Luke 4:3-4, NIV Even legitimate needs can be filled illicitly. Today’s verses come from the story of The Great Temptation. It was Jesus versus Satan. And … Continue reading “Reminder: Don’t eat “rocks!””

Cheater-speak: “God forgives me. So, what’s your problem?!”

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. So what’s your problem?!” -Cheater Does … Continue reading “Cheater-speak: “God forgives me. So, what’s your problem?!””

Healing from Hypocrites

“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.” -Matthew 23:23, NIV Healing from Religious Hypocrites A major learning curve for … Continue reading “Healing from Hypocrites”

Transferring money is no more a sin than divorce.

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. -I Timothy 6:10, NIV Divorce is not sin. It is like transferring money from one account to another. The act itself is not a sin. However, the context … Continue reading “Transferring money is no more a sin than divorce.”

Broken Vase Illustration

Another thing you do: You flood the Lord’s altar with tears. You weep and wail because he no longer looks with favor on your offerings or accepts them with pleasure from your hands. You ask, “Why?” It is because the Lord is the witness between you and the wife of your youth. You have been … Continue reading “Broken Vase Illustration”

I realized “killing with kindness” is kaput! The couch episode.

When I realized my kindness was not making any difference, I did the rare act of boundary enforcement. I refused to be used one last time. It was over a couch. The one pictured above with Mr. Pickles sprawled over it to be precise. A two piece lounge-like couch that was fantastically comfortable. I was … Continue reading “I realized “killing with kindness” is kaput! The couch episode.”

Disagreeing with Rick Warren’s Devotional on Reconciliation

In his devotional entitled: “Restoring Relationships: Take the Initiative,” Rick Warren writes, Whether you are the offender or the offended, God expects you to make the first move. Don’t wait for the other party. Go to that person first. I was horrified to read this coming from such a well-respected pastor. He used a paraphrase Bible, … Continue reading “Disagreeing with Rick Warren’s Devotional on Reconciliation”