Tag: Getting Past Infidelity

WHEN GOD EXPECTS US TO FORGIVE ADULTERY (CHEATING ON GOD)…

wp-image-5514092jpg.jpgINFIDELITY…It’s the universal act of betrayal that many, if not most, find it difficult to come back from.

No matter what country, religion or culture, infidelity marks the end of many relationships. It’s viewed as the ultimate proof that love is lost.

However, the ability to come back from infidelity may be the ultimate proof of real love.

How can I say that?

Because marriage is the analogy that God uses throughout the bible, not only to describe His relationship with Israel in Ezekiel, Jeremiah, Joel, Isaiah and Hosea, but also Christ’s (who represents the invisible God bodily) relationship with His church in Colossians,  Ephesians and Revelations. All of the aforementioned, Old Testament books are stories of Israel continually betraying God, only to have Him continually forgive them and take them back.

Israel loved God… but they continued to choose other God’s over Him.

Israel loved God… but they continued to reject His commandments.

Israel loved God…but they continued to live below His expectations and standards.

BUT, when they repented God always took them back. Notice that I kept saying Israel loved God. The fact that they betrayed Him doesn’t mean they didn’t love Him. It just means their love wasn’t perfect. When we hurt God and one another, it doesn’t always mean there’s no love…it just means our love isn’t perfect. But God’s love is perfect. That’s how He can continue to forgive our infidelity to Him. When we choose to sin, when we put others before Him, when we live below His expectations and standards…we’re CHEATING ON GOD. We’re no different than Israel…no different than Judas betraying Him…no different than Peter denying Him. But, when we truly repent, He’s always willing to forgive us. Remember repentance means Godly sorrow (2 Corinthians 7:10)… to turn from our wickedness( 2 Chronicles 7:14), not just ask forgiveness. God is always willing to take us back. See…God proves that real love even can forgive infidelity. When we’re willing to endure the pain, embarrassment, betrayal and despise the shame as Christ did on the cross for His bride (Hebrews 12:2), we’re acting just like our Heavenly Father. Now THAT’S conforming to His image. Is it easy? No! But, God proves it’s possible.

Plus even in regard to marriage, notice what God said in Matthew 5…

Matthew 5:32 (KJV)

32 But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.

Notice that the KJV uses the word ‘fornication’, but all other versions lessen it to ‘sexual immorality’…why? How can you commit fornication while married? Why did it not say, ‘saving for adultery’? Hmmmm. Because even though it’s not very common today, God intends for us to be virgins when we marry, so if you get ready to consummate your marriage and discover that your new spouse is not a virgin, you have a right to divorce then because they committed ‘fornication’. This is a fulfillment of Deuteronomy 24:1, but stands true for the man or woman…

Deuteronomy 24:1 (KJV)

24 When a man hath taken a wife, and married her, and it come to pass that she find no favour in his eyes, because he hath found some uncleanness in her: then let him write her a bill of divorcement, and give it in her hand, and send her out of his house.

And, don’t forget what Jesus told the woman at the well…

John 4:18 (NKJV)

18 for you have had five husbands, and the one whom you now have is not your husband; in that you spoke truly.”

If adultery were an excuse to get out of marriage then all both spouses have to do is cheat to get out…that reduces marriage to nothing.

If the spouse repents, God expects us to forgive, just as He forgives us for committing spiritual adultery on Him. And, we do it over and over again.

I encourage anyone who’s been betrayed, that if the offender is truly sorry, and the relationship is important enough to you (usually the more you love them, the more it hurts) then you should follow God’s example and forgive. He can give you strength you never had to restore and rebuild any relationship, not just a marriage. Remember this. After Israel sinned, they went through some rough days. But, God always promised renewed joy contingent on their faithfulness.When you forgive cheating. When you forgive ANY betrayal in any relationship…things may not ever be THE SAME, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be BETTER.

Yes…just because things aren’t the same, doesn’t mean they can’t be better….it’s all up to you.

This is where the real power in…
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me ( Philippians 4:13) is realized.

This is where the real power in…
My strength is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9) is realized.

This is where the real power in…
And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you (Ephesians 4:32) is realized.

Forgive as God forgives us, over and over again (Matthew 18:22) …Enjoy your relationships…, even though your relationship with _________ may never be the same, doesn’t mean it can’t be better. (Yes…I was redundant on purpose)

BE BLESSTIFIED!

34

JUST BECAUSE YOUR RELATIONSHIP WILL NEVER BE THE SAME, DOESN’T MEAN IT CAN’T BE BETTER…

wp-1480295958806.jpg

Life can take us down some different and difficult roads. Some roads we choose, and some we don’t. Sometimes CRAZY things is our lives, especially our relationships. We sometimes selfishly, sometimes intentionally, sometimes unintentionally do things that hurt others who are in relationship with us…sometimes it’s something we feel we ‘can’t come from’ or ‘can’t get past’.

If this is you, I have good news today. God has given you the power to GET PAST ANYTHING. God has given you the power, that despite what happened, life can be EVEN BETTER.

Now, I don’t want to be insensitive to what you have gone through, I’m just sharing God’s truth. The key is really simple…it’s true forgiveness.

The key to forgiveness is the day we make up our mind, “I don’t WANT that to bother me anymore.”

We sometimes hold on to our pain, resentment, rage, grudge because it can make us feel stronger in regard to a situation that made us feel vulnerable and weak.

Some people don’t forgive because it takes away their excuse to be angry.

This may sound oversimplified, but the key is forgiving someone else is telling yourself, I’m tired of surrendering my peace to this, and I DON’T WANT TO BE ANGRY ABOUT THIS ANYMORE.

The power is changing how you think of the situation, renewing your mind as in Romans 12:2…

Romans 12:2 (NKJV)

2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

When this happens, something miraculous happens in your spirit…suddenly thinking of it doesn’t make you feel the same.

Ephesians 4:31.32 let’s us know it’s our responsibility to ” Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. He also told us to be willing to continue to forgive (Matthew 18:21-22).

Matthew 18:21-22

21 Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” 22 Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.

God expects us to forgive as He forgives us (Ephesians 4:32)…

Ephesians 4:32 (NKJV)

32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

That’s the awesome power of true forgiveness! Once you truly forgive, you have tapped into God’s power to free yourself from the pain of the situation. God is very clear here and throughout scripture that it’s our responsibility. If it’s our responsibility, then He has given us the power to do it.

I love 2 Peter 1:3 which proclaims…

2 Peter 1:3

3 as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue.

God has given us everything we need to accomplish what He requires of us. So, no matter what happens in your relationships, if you choose to continue those relationships (as God chooses to do when He forgives us), yes things may not ever be he same. Your relationship may not be innocent anymore (as yours with God isn’t), someone may have betrayed you in a way that some say is unforgivable (as we all done with God), someone may have put you to open shame (as we do God) and yes things won’t be THE SAME but when you make up your mind to forgive, and focus on the joy of the relationship and build new memories to replace the old ones, even though THINGS WON’T EVER BE THE SAME, THEY CAN STILL BE BETTER.

BE BLESSTIFIED!!!

 

 

8

WHEN GOD EXPECTS US TO FORGIVE ADULTERY (CHEATING ON GOD)…

wp-image-5514092jpg.jpg INFIDELITY…It’s the universal act of betrayal that many, if not most, find it difficult to come back from.

No matter what country, religion or culture, infidelity marks the end of many relationships. It’s viewed as the ultimate proof that love is lost.

However, the ability to come back from infidelity may be the ultimate proof of real love.

How can I say that?

Because marriage is the analogy that God uses throughout the bible, not only to describe His relationship with Israel in Ezekiel, Jeremiah, Joel, Isaiah and Hosea, but also Christ’s (who represents the invisible God bodily) relationship with His church in Colossians,  Ephesians and Revelations. All of the aforementioned, Old Testament books are stories of Israel continually betraying God, only to have Him continually forgive them and take them back.

Israel loved God… but they continued to choose other God’s over Him.

Israel loved God… but they continued to reject His commandments.

Israel loved God…but they continued to live below His expectations and standards.

BUT, when they repented God always took them back. Notice that I kept saying Israel loved God. The fact that they betrayed Him doesn’t mean they didn’t love Him. It just means their love wasn’t perfect. When we hurt God and one another, it doesn’t always mean there’s no love…it just means our love isn’t perfect. But God’s love is perfect. That’s how He can continue to forgive our infidelity to Him. When we choose to sin, when we put others before Him, when we live below His expectations and standards…we’re CHEATING ON GOD. We’re no different than Israel…no different than Judas betraying Him…no different than Peter denying Him. But, when we truly repent, He’s always willing to forgive us. Remember repentance means Godly sorrow (2 Corinthians 7:10)… to turn from our wickedness( 2 Chronicles 7:14), not just ask forgiveness. God is always willing to take us back. See…God proves that real love even can forgive infidelity. When we’re willing to endure the pain, embarrassment, betrayal and despise the shame as Christ did on the cross for His bride (Hebrews 12:2), we’re acting just like our Heavenly Father. Now THAT’S conforming to His image. Is it easy? No! But, God proves it’s possible.

Plus even in regard to marriage, notice what God said in Matthew 5…

Matthew 5:32 (KJV)

32 But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.

Notice that the KJV uses the word ‘fornication’, but all other versions lessen it to ‘sexual immorality’…why? How can you commit fornication while married? Why did it not say, ‘saving for adultery’? Hmmmm. Because even though it’s not very common today, God intends for us to be virgins when we marry, so if you get ready to consummate your marriage and discover that your new spouse is not a virgin, you have a right to divorce then because they committed ‘fornication’. This is a fulfillment of Deuteronomy 24:1, but stands true for the man or woman…

Deuteronomy 24:1 (KJV)

24 When a man hath taken a wife, and married her, and it come to pass that she find no favour in his eyes, because he hath found some uncleanness in her: then let him write her a bill of divorcement, and give it in her hand, and send her out of his house.

And, don’t forget what Jesus told the woman at the well…

John 4:18 (NKJV)

18 for you have had five husbands, and the one whom you now have is not your husband; in that you spoke truly.”

If adultery were an excuse to get out of marriage then all both have to do spouses is cheat to get out…that reduces marriage to nothing.

If the spouse repents, God expects us to forgive, just as He forgives us for committing spiritual adultery on Him. And, we do it over and over again.

I encourage anyone who’s been betrayed, that if the offender is truly sorry, and the relationship is important enough to you (usually the more you love them, the more it hurts) then you should follow God’s example and forgive. He can give you strength you never had to restore and rebuild any relationship, not just a marriage. Remember this. After Israel sinned, they went through some rough days. But, God always promised renewed joy contingent on their faithfulness.When you forgive cheating. When you forgive ANY betrayal in any relationship…things may not ever be THE SAME, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be BETTER.

Yes…just because things aren’t the same, doesn’t mean they can’t be better….it’s all up to you.

This is where the real power in…
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me ( Philippians 4:13) is realized.

This is where the real power in…
My strength is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9) is realized.

This is where the real power in…
And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you (Ephesians 4:32) is realized.

Forgive as God forgives us, over and over again (Matthew 18:22) …Enjoy your relationships…, even though your relationship with _________ may never be the same, doesn’t mean it can’t be better. (Yes…I was redundant on purpose)

BE BLESSTIFIED!

7

MARRIAGE: ARE YOU CHEATING ON GOD? (‘Remix’ from my archives)

wp-image-5514092jpg.jpg INFIDELITY…It’s the universal act of betrayal that many, if not most, find it difficult to come back from.

No matter what country, religion or culture, infidelity marks the end of many relationships. It’s viewed as the ultimate proof that love is lost.

However, the ability to come back from infidelity may be the ultimate proof of real love.

How can I say that?

Because marriage is the analogy that God uses throughout the bible, not only to describe His relationship with Israel in Ezekiel, Jeremiah, Joel, Isaiah and Hosea, but also Christ’s (who represents the invisible God bodily) relationship with His church in Colossians,  Ephesians and Revelations. All of the aforementioned, Old Testament books are stories of Israel continually betraying God, only to have Him continually forgive them and take them back.

Israel loved God… but they continued to choose other God’s over Him.

Israel loved God… but they continued to reject His commandments.

Israel loved God…but they continued to live below His expectations and standards.

BUT, when they repented God always took them back. Notice that I kept saying Israel loved God. The fact that they betrayed Him doesn’t mean they didn’t love Him. It just means their love wasn’t perfect. When we hurt God and one another, it doesn’t always mean there’s no love…it just means our love isn’t perfect. But God’s love is perfect. That’s how He can continue to forgive our infidelity to Him. When we choose to sin, when we put others before Him, when we live below His expectations and standards…we’re CHEATING ON GOD. We’re no different than Israel…no different than Judas betraying Him…no different than Peter denying Him. But, when we truly repent, He’s always willing to forgive us. Remember repentance means Godly sorrow (2 Corinthians 7:10)… to turn from our wickedness( 2 Chronicles 7:14), not just ask forgiveness. God is always willing to take us back. See…God proves that real love even can forgive infidelity. When we’re willing to endure the pain, embarrassment, betrayal and despise the shame as Christ did on the cross for His bride (Hebrews 12:2), we’re acting just like our Heavenly Father. Now THAT’S conforming to His image. Is it easy? No! But, God proves it’s possible.

I encourage anyone who’s been betrayed, that if the offender is truly sorry, and the relationship is important enough to you (usually the more you love them, the more it hurts) then you should follow God’s example and forgive. He can give you strength you never had to restore and rebuild any relationship, not just a marriage. Remember this. After Israel sinned, they went through some rough days. But, God always promised renewed joy contingent on their faithfulness.When you forgive cheating.

When you forgive ANY betrayal in any relationship…things may not ever be THE SAME, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be BETTER.

It’s all about your attitude about the relationship and how important it is to you.

This is where the real power in…
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me ( Philippians 4:13) is realized.

This is where the real power in…
My strength is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9) is realized.

This is where the real power in…
And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you (Ephesians 4:32) is realized.

Forgive as God forgives us, over and over again (Matthew 18:22) …Enjoy your relationships…, even though your relationship with _________ may never be the same, doesn’t mean it can’t be better. (Yes…I was redundant on purpose)

BE BLESSTIFIED!

0

JUST BECAUSE YOUR RELATIONSHIP WILL NEVER BE THE SAME, DOESN’T MEAN IT CAN’T BE BETTER…

wp-1480295958806.jpg

Life can take us down some different and difficult roads. Some roads we choose, and some we don’t. Sometimes CRAZY things is our lives, especially our relationships. We sometimes selfishly, sometimes intentionally, sometimes unintentionally do things that hurt others who are in relationship with us…sometimes it’s something we feel we ‘can’t come from’ or ‘can’t get past’.

If this is you, I have good news today. God has given you the power to GET PAST ANYTHING. God has given you the power, that despite what happened, life can be EVEN BETTER. Now, I don’t want to be insensitive to what you have gone through, I’m just sharing God’s truth. The key is really simple…it’s true forgiveness. The key to forgiveness is the day we make up our mind, “I don’t WANT that to bother me anymore.”

We sometimes hold on to our pain, resentment, rage, grudge because it can make us feel stronger in regard to a situation that made us feel vulnerable and weak.

Some people don’t forgive because it takes away their excuse to be angry.

This may sound oversimplified, but the key is forgiving someone else is telling yourself, I’m tired of surrendering my peace to this, and I DON’T WANT TO BE ANGRY ABOUT THIS ANYMORE.

The power is changing how you think of the situation, renewing your mind as in Romans 12:2…

Romans 12:2 (NKJV)

2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

When this happens, something miraculous happens in your spirit…suddenly thinking of it doesn’t make you feel the same.

Ephesians 4:31.32 let’s us know it’s our responsibility to ” Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. He also told us to be willing to continue to forgive (Matthew 18:21-22).

Matthew 18:21-22

21 Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” 22 Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.

God expects us to forgive as He forgives us (Ephesians 4:32)…

Ephesians 4:32 (NKJV)

32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

That’s the awesome power of true forgiveness! Once you truly forgive, you have tapped into God’s power to free yourself from the pain of the situation. God is very clear here and throughout scripture that it’s our responsibility. If it’s our responsibility, then He has given us the power to do it.

I love 2 Peter 1:3 which proclaims…

2 Peter 1:3

3 as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue.

God has given us everything we need to accomplish what He requires of us. So, no matter what happens in your relationships, if you choose to continue those relationships (as God chooses to do when He forgives us), yes things may not ever be he same. Your relationship may not be innocent anymore (as yours with God isn’t), someone may have betrayed you in a way that some say is unforgivable (as we all done with God), someone may have put you to open shame (as we do God) and yes things won’t be THE SAME but when you make up your mind to forgive, and focus on the joy of the relationship and build new memories to replace the old ones, even though THINGS WON’T EVER BE THE SAME, THEY CAN STILL BE BETTER.

BE BLESSTIFIED!!!

 

 

5

CHEATING ON GOD (WHY GOD EXPECTS US TO FORGIVE ADULTERY)…

wp-image-5514092jpg.jpg INFIDELITY…It’s the universal act of betrayal that many, if not most, find it difficult to come back from.

No matter what country, religion or culture, infidelity marks the end of many relationships. It’s viewed as the ultimate proof that love is lost.

However, the ability to come back from infidelity may be the ultimate proof of real love.

How can I say that?

Because marriage is the analogy that God uses throughout the bible, not only to describe His relationship with Israel in Ezekiel, Jeremiah, Joel, Isaiah and Hosea, but also Christ’s (who represents the invisible God bodily) relationship with His church in Colossians,  Ephesians and Revelations. All of the aforementioned, Old Testament books are stories of Israel continually betraying God, only to have Him continually forgive them and take them back.

Israel loved God… but they continued to choose other God’s over Him.

Israel loved God… but they continued to reject His commandments.

Israel loved God…but they continued to live below His expectations and standards.

BUT, when they repented God always took them back. Notice that I kept saying Israel loved God. The fact that they betrayed Him doesn’t mean they didn’t love Him. It just means their love wasn’t perfect. When we hurt God and one another, it doesn’t always mean there’s no love…it just means our love isn’t perfect. But God’s love is perfect. That’s how He can continue to forgive our infidelity to Him. When we choose to sin, when we put others before Him, when we live below His expectations and standards…we’re CHEATING ON GOD. We’re no different than Israel…no different than Judas betraying Him…no different than Peter denying Him. But, when we truly repent, He’s always willing to forgive us. Remember repentance means Godly sorrow (2 Corinthians 7:10)… to turn from our wickedness( 2 Chronicles 7:14), not just ask forgiveness. God is always willing to take us back. See…God proves that real love even can forgive infidelity. When we’re willing to endure the pain, embarrassment, betrayal and despise the shame as Christ did on the cross for His bride (Hebrews 12:2), we’re acting just like our Heavenly Father. Now THAT’S conforming to His image. Is it easy? No! But, God proves it’s possible.

Plus even in regard to marriage, notice what God said in Matthew 5…

Matthew 5:32 (KJV)

32 But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.

Notice that the KJV uses the word ‘fornication’, but all other versions lessen it to ‘sexual immorality’…why? How can you commit fornication while married? Why did it not say, ‘saving for adultery’? Hmmmm. Because even though it’s not very common today, God intends for us to be virgins when we marry, so if you get ready to consummate your marriage and discover that your new spouse is not a virgin, you have a right to divorce then because they committed ‘fornication’. This is a fulfillment of Deuteronomy 24:1, but stands true for the man or woman…

Deuteronomy 24:1 (KJV)

24 When a man hath taken a wife, and married her, and it come to pass that she find no favour in his eyes, because he hath found some uncleanness in her: then let him write her a bill of divorcement, and give it in her hand, and send her out of his house.

And, don’t forget what Jesus told the woman at the well…

John 4:18 (NKJV)

18 for you have had five husbands, and the one whom you now have is not your husband; in that you spoke truly.”

If adultery were an excuse to get out of marriage then both all both have to do spouses is cheat to get out…that reduces marriage to nothing.

If the spouse repents, God expects us to forgive, just as He forgives us for commiting spiritual adultery on Him. And, we do it over and over again.

I encourage anyone who’s been betrayed, that if the offender is truly sorry, and the relationship is important enough to you (usually the more you love them, the more it hurts) then you should follow God’s example and forgive. He can give you strength you never had to restore and rebuild any relationship, not just a marriage. Remember this. After Israel sinned, they went through some rough days. But, God always promised renewed joy contingent on their faithfulness.When you forgive cheating. When you forgive ANY betrayal in any relationship…things may not ever be THE SAME, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be BETTER.

Yes…just because things aren’t the same, doesn’t mean they can’t be better….it’s all up to you.

This is where the real power in…
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me ( Philippians 4:13) is realized.

This is where the real power in…
My strength is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9) is realized.

This is where the real power in…
And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you (Ephesians 4:32) is realized.

Forgive as God forgives us, over and over again (Matthew 18:22) …Enjoy your relationships…, even though your relationship with _________ may never be the same, doesn’t mean it can’t be better. (Yes…I was redundant on purpose)

BE BLESSTIFIED!

1

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