Saeed Abedini Saga Continues

Saeed Abedini is the pastor released from the Iranian prison and embraced by Franklin Graham. His wife, Naghmeh, fought for his release for years then filed for divorce citing abuse issues in their marriage. Recently, Saeed was in court for violating a restraining order made on Naghmeh’s behalf (see article here). For the skeptics regarding … Continue reading “Saeed Abedini Saga Continues”

Not Craftier Than God!

…and be sure your sin will find you out. -Numbers 32:23b, KJV He catches the wise in their craftiness,     and the schemes of the wily are swept away. -Job 5:13, NIV From my cheater’s response in the initial confrontation over her adulterous affair, I am convinced she thought I would never discover her cheating.  She … Continue reading “Not Craftier Than God!”

Some Days Smart!

Day and night I have only tears for food, while my enemies continually taunt me, saying, “Where is this God of yours?” -Psalm 42:3, NLT Valentine’s Day While couples celebrate this day, it can be an especially painful holiday for those contemptuously betrayed and dumped by their partners. I want to acknowledge that here. It … Continue reading “Some Days Smart!”

Divorce is partial soul amputation.

‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. -Matthew 19:5b-6a, NIV Like animal who gnaws off a limb to escape from a trap and certain death, a faithful spouse leaves part … Continue reading “Divorce is partial soul amputation.”

Film Grading, Critical Errors, and Understanding Infidelity

After a Saturday football game, my college coaches would take the game “film” and grade how each of us–athletes–performed in that contest. One category used in their film grading system was called “critical errors.” This label was reserved for mistakes so big that the mistake caused the play to fail. For an offensive lineman, a … Continue reading “Film Grading, Critical Errors, and Understanding Infidelity”

Because of, NOT in spite of, my divorce…

The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day. -Proverbs 4:18-19, NIV Within evangelical Christianity, the sense I often get is how any blessing following divorce comes in spite of as opposed to because of getting divorced. Such sense is all a part of church leaders making divorce the … Continue reading “Because of, NOT in spite of, my divorce…”

Does through ‘better or worse’ include infidelity?

“If a man commits adultery with his neighbor’s wife, both the man and the woman who have committed adultery must be put to death.” -Leviticus 20:10, NLT Does staying married through ‘better or worse’ include through infidelity? Short answer: No. Here’s the longer, biblical reasons I say that… I quote Leviticus 20:10 not to suggest that we … Continue reading “Does through ‘better or worse’ include infidelity?”

Choosing Divorce Is Not Vengeful

And Joseph her husband, being a righteous man and not wanting to disgrace her, planned [to divorce her] secretly. -Matthew 1:19, NASB (footnoted alternate translation used in brackets) Do we consider a rape victim “hurt and vengeful” for choosing to have her rapist prosecuted for his crime? I wouldn’t. It is a matter of justice … Continue reading “Choosing Divorce Is Not Vengeful”

But what about the damage to their reputation?!

“Keep it as quiet as possible. Just think about the damage done to other relationships if you tell them she cheated on you [aka the truth].” -Standard (Awful) Advice Such concern for the damage of relationships is too in coming late. Actions reveal character. Character often shapes reputation. If a cheater wanted a good reputation, … Continue reading “But what about the damage to their reputation?!”