Just found out tonight that my friend’s husband kicked her out of the house. We’ve been praying for her for weeks because we knew that she was in the process of a divorce, but her sense of shame has kept her from including us in her life at this point. She is working overtime trying to make ends meet without her husband’s income and is currently homeless. The story is that she came home from church one night and Husband said, “It’s over. We’re getting a divorce. Get out of my house.” If he shows his face around me, I will place my collar aside and kick his living ass.
Alas, it feels good to say it, but I will not do it. Ours is a way of peace and understanding. But understand this, Husband. You are not innocent, you are not a “good” person. On God’s Scales of Good vs. Evil you will tup way over on one side and find yourself on a major slide to Hell. Take note - all the “good” people of the land - You are sinners. You are sinners in a fallen world and this big mudball and all its “feel good” philosophies only bring misery and death. There are no “victimless crimes,” there are no “innocent victims.” All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. You are going to Hell. You deserve it.
But my friend has the gift of faith. Confessing Jesus Christ as her Lord and believing that He rose from the dead has reformed, renewed, rejuvenated, and redeemed her. Christ’s sacrifice on the cross has paid-in-full her bill of iniquities. As such, Jesus Christ will never leave her nor forsake her. My friend, this hurtful thing is happening to you and you feel sad, and scared, and shamed. But there is no condemnation in Jesus Christ, my child. There is only love, forgiveness, and understanding. Read the words in John 6:37, “All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away.” There is no shame in Christ Jesus. There is no shame in a community of faith. We will love you, we will help you, and we will stand firm in the faith with you until that final day. Accept our arms as the arms of the Savior. Accept our love as an extension of His love. Accept our comfort as His compassion for your soul. There is healing in Christ, my child. Healing and love. It is hard. No one can take away your pain, but there is one who will walk with you through it. You already know him. You have already called his name. His name is Jesus. Walk with him now and feel his love. Let him guide you in our community of faith. Let’s get through this together.