Upset about moral warnings!

…do not be unfaithful to the wife of your youth. -Malachi 2:15b, NIV Whether it is their conscience or the demonic, I do not know. What I know is some cheaters despise reminders of God’s condemnation of their infidelity. They rage and strike out verbally when reminded what they are doing is wrong in the … Continue reading “Upset about moral warnings!”

Repentance is the price of admission.

“If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them.” -Luke 17:3b, NIV (emphasis mine) You are wasting your time with a cheater if they are not repenting. The sinful behavior will continue with all its abuse without this critical change. Please, faithful spouse, do not settle for less … Continue reading “Repentance is the price of admission.”

Get out of the wicked cycle

Anyone recognize the following cycle? Cheat.  Cheater says, “It was a ‘cry for help.’ [Insert favorite blame directed at faithful spouse].” Cheat, again. Cheater says, “Our marriage problems have nothing to do with [affair partner]. You know that you [insert favorite blame directed at faithful spouse].” Continues cheating. This cycle is nothing new. Cheaters do … Continue reading “Get out of the wicked cycle”

Trivializing pain: “Stuff happens.”

Me: “I got divorced. Then I had to go through a trial with my denomination to keep my license.” Friend: “Don’t they realize that stuff happens.” I do not recommend the “stuff happens” response to someone whose marriage has been blown up by adultery. While I appreciate this friend’s effort to be understanding, the stance … Continue reading “Trivializing pain: “Stuff happens.””

Please, get tested for STDs!

One of the most humiliating aspects of dealing with a cheater is this need to know. If a cheater is unwilling to submit to STD tests, then you have your answer as to how repentant they are–i.e. not at all. It is rather low hanging fruit–so to speak–for a cheater to provide scientifically verified assurance … Continue reading “Please, get tested for STDs!”

Cheater-Speak: “We NEVER talk!”

“We NEVER talk!” cries Cheater. The irony about this sort of statement from a cheater is how their own failure to talk with the faithful spouse is by design. Whether emotional or physical or both, the affair was a relationship cloaked in secrecy. The cheater did not communicate this critical information–namely their cheating–to the faithful spouse. Yet, now, … Continue reading “Cheater-Speak: “We NEVER talk!””

Divorce is NOT the enemy! Sin is.

But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. -Matthew 5:28, NLT Public Service Announcement: Divorce is NOT the enemy. Sin IS! A pet peeve of mine is hearing pastors talk about the tragedy of divorce as if this the problem. Such talk … Continue reading “Divorce is NOT the enemy! Sin is.”

A shot at reconciliation denied.

Peace. One of the things that gave me peace–after some time of healing–about my first marriage ending was that I gave it a shot. I left the door open to a godly reconciliation. Once I knew about the adultery, I kicked the ball back into her court. I gave her the option of repenting from … Continue reading “A shot at reconciliation denied.”