“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.”
Dismembered feeling following divorce
I work in hospice and have the opportunity to watch the poignant beauty of marriages that have lasted well past fifty years.* I say, “poignant” because I feel both awed by the sheer beauty of a couple still caring for each other after many decades together as well as sad by my own loss. Recently, … Continue reading “Dismembered feeling following divorce”
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.”
Freely provides restitution
“‘…if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.’” -Luke 19:8b, NIV A truly repentant Cheater will offer restitution. This is what I see from this famous story about Jesus meeting Zacchaeus. Jesus did not insist on this. The offer was freely offered by Zaccheaus. He had met … Continue reading “Freely provides restitution”
Blessed remarriage!
You will say then, “Branches were broken off so that I could be grafted in.” Granted. But they were broken off because of unbelief, and you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but tremble. For if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either. -Romans 11:19-21, NIV Often times, … Continue reading “Blessed remarriage!”
Called out!
For some people have deliberately violated their consciences; as a result, their faith has been shipwrecked. Hymenaeus and Alexander are two examples. I threw them out and handed them over to Satan so they might learn not to blaspheme God. -I Timothy 1:19b-20, NLT The Apostle Paul names, names here. He does not shy away from … Continue reading “Called out!”
They do not really care about you!
“I never intended to hurt you,” says Cheater. This statement is either from someone who is lying boldly to your face or by someone who sucks at connecting their actions to consequences. In neither instance are they a good person to be around. They may be lying to more than just you in making this … Continue reading “They do not really care about you!”
It’s my birthday!
Today is another birthday for me. Life gets better. This is what I have seen in my lifetime. After going through some terrible things, I have experienced how God uses those experiences to create beauty later in life. Years ago, I remember talking with a guy at a gym I frequented in Connecticut. He shared … Continue reading “It’s my birthday!”
Telling on themselves.
Cheaters often overestimate their own cleverness. They think they are getting away with it all. But rather, their words are telling everyone with ears to hear the reality of their sins. How does this work? They level an outrageous accusation towards the faithful spouse. Maybe they say that the faithful spouse is manipulating everyone close … Continue reading “Telling on themselves.”