It was 1979. The phone rang. “Hello.” There was a pause and then the song, Reunited by Peaches and Herb, began to play. I stood there stunned. Willing myself to hang up but frozen and unable to move.
Reunited, and it feels so good
Reunited, ’cause we understood
There’s one perfect fit
And, sugar, this one is it
We both are so excited ’cause we’re reunited, hey, hey
It was the sick joke of my then husband’s 18-year old lover.
I was 29-years old, the Mom of a ten-year old, an eight-year old, and an almost two-year old – a few days prior to the phone call I told my husband to go to his lover and figure it out. The little girl in the image above is how I felt. I am not writing this for sympathy because I am over it. I am writing this to make a point.
Something that feels good? Can be very, very wrong.
Before I say one more thing… I am a card-carrying GRACE RECIPIENT, former bad girl, mud-wallower. I know all the clichés. I know all the excuses. I have felt good doing very wrong things – for a season. I continue…
I am sick and tired of today’s culture’s inability to call sin, SIN.
And, don’t throw the don’t judge thing at me either.
The Word of God is above error – it is my standard for ALL things. Not to sound glib and southern gospel’ish, but, “If the Bible says it, I believe it.” I may not understand it, but I believe it and I also believe all things will be revealed to us eventually.
I do.
You see, The Word states, “To judge/test all things.” 1 Thessalonians 5
I am not listing the things that prompted me to write this post – but all one has to do is scroll Facebook and Twitter. I keep my feeds incredibly tight and clean – so these things are being said and condoned by those within the body of Christ.
I am going to sum this up with one saying I saw years ago – I have no idea who said it but it is sheer truth.
God will NEVER tell you to fall in love with another person’s spouse. NEVER. EVER. NOT GOING TO HAPPEN.
This post is not for the (former) 18-year old girl mentioned above – ironically, that gal didn’t stay with my first husband and is now a believer! I didn’t stay with him either – irreconcilable differences one of which was adultery!
You know how “If something feels too good to be true? It’s not!”
Let’s add this:
“If something just doesn’t feel “right”? It probably isn’t.”
Test it. Judge it. And, allow the Spirit of God to probe deep – He will let you know.
This post is not intended for a specific person – it has been on my heart for a very long time. And, in all reality, this post is not for the non-believer – it is for those who call themselves followers of Jesus Christ. If that’s not you? No need to read or comment!
IT’S THE LAST WEEK OF THE GIVE-AWAY! Comment & Share on Social Media To Be Entered!
This week I’ll be linking up with Inspire Me Monday, Testimony Tuesday, Tell His Story, Tea and Word, Porch Stories, Coffee for Your Heart, Tune In Thursday, Dance With Jesus, Fresh Market Friday, and Glimpses of His Beauty.
Love, Love! How do I put my words down, what my heart is saying… Holy Spirit, speak to our hearts, to speak the Truth in Love, but to speak it! Open our eyes, Precious Lord. I’m sharing this one honey!
Share it with “tension.” xo Thanks HM
Love this Susan! Been there.! AND God reached down and picked me up…..cleaned me up and here I am! Forever grateful for his love and grace. If you are a child of THE KING….he keeps a close eye on you and will not let you wander very far away!!! Amen!
Another GRACE card-carrier!!! Love you SB
Hard hitting truth here. The problem is, most people won’t feel the love when they hear the truth. That’s the tension. That’s what often keeps truth-tellers silent. Great post, neighbor! Blessings!
Amen and good point, Liz…hard post to hit publish! xo
Sing it Sister! Amen and amen!
XO
Tammy
Hey baby….wish there was an emoji I could post here. Maybe our little pink gal standing on her head with her eyes crossed????? LOL
Love your boldness here. We need more of that as Christians. It is becoming increasingly difficult to call out sin because of tolerance and because of the need to be politcally correct. This post sheds so much truth, thank you for sharing!
Nicole, I think it’s time the body of Christ lives between the tension. Thanks for coming by.
This is so good — and I know you learned all this in the fire, so thanks for sharing costly grace.
Blessings, my friend.
Oh yes, the fire. But what does The Refiner do? #shinebright Love you Maine kindred spirit!!!
Yes! You’re so right about sin. And so many other “hard” things the modern church (aka…me) tend to breeze past on those paper thin pages. We seem to want a faith that feels good and comfortable, fully accepting the grace and love without regarding the sin and instruction.
Grasping grace in one hand and sin in the other is a difficult dichotomy, but is necessary. God gave us the whole Bible for a reason. Only He can help us hold it fully.
Thank you for sharing hard truth (and your hard story) today.
ONLY HIM.
Great post. Sorry for “Google.” I think each of us mature with age. Young hearts don’t have that level sometimes n make wrong choices. I myself included. I too am guilty of reading the “feel good” part of God’s word when it suits me. I spoke to God early this morning when I couldn’t sleep, asking that he help me to be a “better” believer.
And, Mer’, that is why we must live in the tension being bold, honest, truthful, loving Titus 2 women. xo Always appreciate your comments and frankness.
Thanks for standing up for truth, even when the world tries to persuade otherwise. And thanks for linking up at #PorchStories. xoxo
My pleasure. His glory!
Wow! Thank you for being bold in your faith. I am always afraid to step on toes. You do it in a way that I pray others receive with the grace and truth intended. Love you for who you are!
THAT means a lot to me, Mary G!
Yes! This made me think of Peter’s words, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” Even we try to run away from Truth, we find only death there. It’s in the Word that we find Life! Thanks for this today.
I LOVE THAT SCRIPTURE so much, BettieG, and have quoted it at least 999 times in the past 25 years!!!
I had no idea that you lived through such a horrible and life-altering event in your marriage, Susan! I know that must’ve rocked you to your core and taught you so much in the whole grace-giving aspect–which includes drawing a hard line sometimes. Yes, your post gives me a lot to consider and it is something I agree with and understand. I’m grateful for the husband you now have because it seems like he’s a real keeper–God’s grace pouring down in your life to heal those nasty and deep wounds your first hubby inflicted.
You know Beth, I am definitely over him. And my hubs now is the total opposite. God is good.
An excellent post and I totally agree with you. As a Christian, we are guilty of “offending” others by calling out sin… even though Jesus told them to “go and sin no more”. It’s a fine balance and one we must continue to walk precariously, but we must lovingly point our loved ones and fellow believers in the right way. Thanks for sharing!
Exactly and Beth Moore says it beautifully “live in the tension.”
Honestly Susan, this must have been incredibly hard to write!
Thank you for standing up for the truth!
Tight Bear Hugs
It was contemplative!!!
My heart breaks for all the lives that are ruined and hearts that are led astray. Jesus, be near!
Amen.
Susan, a truth filled post from beginning to end. Powerful words because they have come through the refining fire. There is no way we can ever call sin right or good. May God fill each of us with courage to stand firm on the standard that He Himself has set out for us in His Word.
That is my hope and prayer.
Saints..and SINNERS in need of God’s grace. “For all fall short of the glory of God.”
Of course. My post was directed to those practicing iniquity, over and over and over…..
Amen, amen, amen! As a former bad girl here, only righteous by His grace, I understand that you aren’t judging here but stating truth! Thank you
I knew you’d get it, Patti!!!
Truth in love, amen, Susan! Love this call to stand on God’s Word — all of His Word. Thank you for sharing! ((Hugs))
ALL OF IT. Thanks Crystal.
What an opener! Whew, sister, you have been through it. Thank you for sharing your difficult experience. LOVE YOU BACK.
BUT I tried again!!!
Thank you for sharing this boldness! It was probably hard to share. God’s rules and guidelines are for our benefit, to save us from hurt and pain. We though many times think He’s being unfair and mean.
So glad for God’s grace when I screw up in sin daily:)
Blessings!
#HeartEncouragement
Julie, so glad!!!
Susan, What an incredibly hard thing to go through. God is so good to bring you through that. Thank you for sharing your story.
Looking back? It was God’s mercy!!
Well said Susan! We are not to judge people…but everything else needs to be put thru the Word screen and okayed by the Holy Spirit! I like that you said there is a different expectation for believers and non-believers. Sin is still sin for each but believers are expected to reflect Jesus!
What sheer delight to see you here, MEG (great initials by the way!!!)/
Hello, my friend — Thank you for being brave, speaking Truth, and sharing your story with us today. I am so sorry that you and your children experienced this heartbreak. Sin is such a thief. Prayingt today for your ex-husband to turn from selfishness and toward the Savior who died for His soul.
I am thankful that our Abba Father is a perfect balance of grace and truth — May we know that truth. It’s the only way we will ever find freedom. life, and peace.
Blessings,
Lyli
p.s. — I loved your post (and you!) xo
Thanks for the affirmation, Lyli!!!
Your story is powerful! Must have been difficult to share….sin is sin is sin is sin….
Thank you for sharing at the #warriorlinkup !
Liz, glad you came over I’m enjoying the linkup.
Hey Susan – I am so glad you could join the party last week at #TuneInThursday. I am so sorry it has taken me so long to get around to commenting on your post, I had a retreat I was speaking at this past weekend, and it put me behind a few days.
Oh and this post? – LOVE IT! Yep, speak it in love, and tempered with Grace but truth is truth and no matter of wanting to change it will change it. I am very sorry that you had that experience and memory though, but also know that you allowed God to move you beyond the pain and hurt to where you are at now. Thanks again.
It was the sheer grace and mercy of God that all of “that” happened. I see that NOW.