In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, But he who restrains his lips is wise. -Proverbs 10:19, NKJV People’s criticisms say a lot… …but not necessarily anything about the one criticized. This is a lesson impressed upon me during my formal training in clinical pastoral care. It is an important lesson to remember … Continue reading “People’s Criticisms Say A Lot…”
Category: Sin
Breaking Up With Your Church
Forgive the corny Oldies reference here. I grew up listening to this sort of music as a kid, and I could not help but think of the opening line when processing this–albeit–serious topic of leaving a church. Breaking up is truly a hard thing to do. This past week Mrs. DM and I decided we needed to … Continue reading “Breaking Up With Your Church”
No Benefit of the Doubt Anymore!
Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. – Old Italian Proverb What is actually astounding to me is how cheaters and some pastors/counselors fail to grasp why faithful spouses do not trust cheaters’ words at face value? The wise ones among us require verification. In a healthy marriage, one ought … Continue reading “No Benefit of the Doubt Anymore!”
Innocence Lost
DM on his first wedding day (2006) None of my immediate family experienced divorce. We were a sheltered family system–i.e. from grandparents down to first cousins. Divorce had not visited its devastation directly upon us. That was until my marriage was shot in the head on December 12, 2012. I was raised that marriage was … Continue reading “Innocence Lost”
Fed Up With Religious BS
They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that! -2 Timothy 3:5, NLT My capacity to tolerate religious hypocrisy was greatly diminished by my divorce ordeal with my former in-laws and ex-wife. They were the kings and queens of religious hypocrisy and double-speak. … Continue reading “Fed Up With Religious BS”
Recognizing a Fake Apology
Then Saul admitted to Samuel, “Yes, I have sinned. I have disobeyed your instructions and the Lord’s command, for I was afraid of the people and did what they demanded. But now, please forgive my sin and come back with me so that I may worship the Lord.” -I Samuel 15:24-25, NLT (e.g. false apology) … Continue reading “Recognizing a Fake Apology”
We don’t need that sort of “care!”
If a pastor or Christian leader is unprepared to confront an adulterous spouse, they ought to have the decency to not bother picking at what they think is wrong in the faithful spouse. Sin inquests into suffering faithful spouses are anything but loving. Such are cold approaches to an excruciating experience. They offer judgment and condemnation when … Continue reading “We don’t need that sort of “care!””
Why Do Only Cheaters Get “The Benefit Of The Doubt?”
Do not listen to an accusation against an elder unless it is confirmed by two or three witnesses. Those who sin should be reprimanded in front of the whole church; this will serve as a strong warning to others. – I Timothy 5:19-20, NLT Why do only adulterous spouses get the benefit of the doubt … Continue reading “Why Do Only Cheaters Get “The Benefit Of The Doubt?””
The Wicked Prosper
“Why do the wicked prosper, growing old and powerful? They live to see their children grow up and settle down, and they enjoy their grandchildren. Their homes are safe from every fear, and God does not punish them.” -Job 21:7-9, NLT This lament of Job is comforting. It is comforting in as it exists in … Continue reading “The Wicked Prosper”
Presumption of Causation With Divorce
How can you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye? Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s … Continue reading “Presumption of Causation With Divorce”