When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. -Matthew 9:36, NIV Protestant churches are places for sinners. True. Are they places for those sinned against? Of course, we are all sinners in a need of our Savior (see Romans 3:23). Yet some … Continue reading “Let’s make church a place for the sinned-against, too!”
Category: Sin
And then it makes sense.
Relief. The months of stone-cold or downright cruel responses. Warmth disappearing overnight like a Minnesotan May blizzard. It all started to make sense. I wasn’t imagining things. The Other Man. He existed. Had existed for months! This is one of the strangest and most surreal parts of discovering infidelity. The moment of confirmation is not only … Continue reading “And then it makes sense.”
Protestantism, Forgiveness, and Failing Adultery Victims
So they sat down with him upon the ground seven days and seven nights, and none spake a word unto him: for they saw that his grief was very great. -Job 2:13, KJV Protestantism is big on sin and forgiveness. Emphasis on sin and forgiveness is pervasive through evangelical teaching and preaching. That is good. … Continue reading “Protestantism, Forgiveness, and Failing Adultery Victims”
Feeding False Hope In “Reconciliation”
Sharing only testimonies of reconciled and restored marriages following adultery… feeds false hope in “reconciliation” for faithful spouses dealing with unrepentant cheaters. Show of hands. How many here thought their marriage was going to “make it” and then you would have a testimony about marriage reconciliation to share with others? I know I did. The … Continue reading “Feeding False Hope In “Reconciliation””
Where are the godly divorced testimonies?
Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. -Matthew 1:19, NIV And I saw, when for all the causes whereby backsliding Israel committed adultery I had put her away, and given her a bill of divorce; … Continue reading “Where are the godly divorced testimonies?”
Adultery is not a victimless “crime.”
You ask, “Why?” It is because the LORD is the witness between you and the wife of your youth. You have been unfaithful to her, though she is your partner, the wife of your marriage covenant. -Malachi 2:14, NIV By now, I bet most people have had to suffer through the public service announcement on … Continue reading “Adultery is not a victimless “crime.””
You are gold!
For by means of a harlot A man is reduced to a crust of bread; And an adulteress will prey upon his precious life. -Proverbs 6:26, NKJV A cheater is not qualified to rate your value. A cheater apologist is not qualified to rate your value. Such evaluations are worthless. A cheater has just run the … Continue reading “You are gold!”
Buddy-Buddy Assumption
“Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” -Acts 2:36, NIV (emphasis mine) Some Christians who have never experienced the very personal and humiliating betrayal of an adulterous spouse can be incredibly insensitive to those of us who have. One way this insensitivity … Continue reading “Buddy-Buddy Assumption”
Why bother?
When the wicked prosper, why bother being good? This is a common question I encounter when a faithful spouses watches their cheating (ex) spouse seemingly avoid any real-life consequences for acting so dastardly and wickedly. It is an ancient question. The Bible is full of rejoinders to the person who is wondering about this sort … Continue reading “Why bother?”
Ask: Where is the loving much?
“Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.” -Luke 7:47, NIV The amount of gratitude ought to match the amount forgiven. This is one lesson I take from Jesus’ teaching in this verse. And it is an important spiritual lesson … Continue reading “Ask: Where is the loving much?”