“How to respond when both spouses in a marriage have committed adultery; and remain impenitent. Should you maintain a friendship with both, either, or neither?” –Iwoots Dear Iwoots, What does the Bible have to say about such a situation? But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims … Continue reading “Mailbag: What to do with “friends” who are both unrepentant cheaters?”
Validation: “Yes, it happened. Yes, it was wrong.”
Reality validation. This is gift others can give to a faithful spouse. Sometimes we need someone to tell us the simple but hard truth. The adultery happened. And–no–we are in no way responsible for the infidelity. It was wrong. No justification for the cheater cheating exists. I think these messages are especially important for the … Continue reading “Validation: “Yes, it happened. Yes, it was wrong.””
Shaking off their dust may be the best thing to do!
“But if any place refuses to welcome you or listen to you, shake its dust from your feet as you leave to show that you have abandoned those people to their fate.” -Mark 6:11, NLT At some point, we need to let go of the need for an apology and reparations for the wrongs we … Continue reading “Shaking off their dust may be the best thing to do!”
God calls you by name!
He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. -John 10:3b, NLT This is one of my favorite verses in all of Scripture. It reminds me of God’s love for me. Specifically, it reminds me that Jesus knows me intimately. I am not just a number to Jesus. He knows my name! Think … Continue reading “God calls you by name!”
What are you doing to care for your soul?
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep. “ -John 10:11, NLT Holding onto to the belief in God’s goodness is a real fete of soul strength during the time of infidelity discovery and divorce. I know it is not easy. It is a real test of one’s … Continue reading “What are you doing to care for your soul?”
They already think they are special.
“This is the way of an adulterous woman: She eats and wipes her mouth and says, ‘I’ve done nothing wrong.’” -Proverbs 30:20, NIV Cheaters do not need reminders of their specialness. They need reminders that they are accountable for their sinful behavior. A godly pastor will keep this in mind when dealing with a cheater. … Continue reading “They already think they are special.”
Regarding friends–good news and bad news…
A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need. -Proverbs 17:17, NLT Good news and bad news about friends during times of marital distress: First, I will share the bad news: Some of the most painful betrayals will be friends and even family choosing the cheater over … Continue reading “Regarding friends–good news and bad news…”
Married means no dating!
Give honor to marriage, and remain faithful to one another in marriage. God will surely judge people who are immoral and those who commit adultery. -Hebrews 13:4, NLT When I was dating after my divorce, I was somewhat surprised by how many people were dating still married. For me, those people were a hard pass. … Continue reading “Married means no dating!”
Another alleged cheating megachurch pastor: Tavner Smith of Venue Church
“Smith said he are ‘great friends’ with the employee but not ‘sexually involved.’ He admitted the two had kissed, but only after they stopped living with their spouses …. ‘As long as she is still married, we are not going to have any type of romantic relations,’ he said.” -Anugrah Kumar, “Audio of Venue Church … Continue reading “Another alleged cheating megachurch pastor: Tavner Smith of Venue Church”
When you need help to pray, choose a song as your prayer!
The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him. -Psalm 28:7, KJV When I was struggling with the end of my first marriage, I found songs helped me through the dark valley. They became my prayers. … Continue reading “When you need help to pray, choose a song as your prayer!”