Forgivable

By Robin Caldwell

'Dear Husband: Cheat on me and I’m doing a little shopping therapy with your credit cards. Our discretionary fund will be used to help me cope with your indiscretion. But, I will keep the receipts in anticipation of the moment I revisit my senses and have to make a few returns.

After therapy I’m heading to the nearest church or park to pray and meditate. "Dear Lord, how, why, what...?" When the shock wears off a bit, I’m going to need me some Jesus as I go home to prepare your dinner. During that meal, I’ll force a little small talk: "How was your day?" and force myself to be attentive, actually listen, to your response before I go completely off.

"Do you love her? Are you leaving me? Want a divorce? Doing it again?”
Prayerfully, your answer will be "NO" to all of the above, so we can get on with the business at hand—our marriage. Every step after that exchange will be towards making all of our wrongs right. All of my personal steps will be toward forgiveness and accountabilit...'

Right now, there are countless sisters in Christ rolling their eyes, sucking their teeth and praying for my deliverance. I suspect some believe I have totally missed the boat on this issue. Did she dare use forgiveness and accountability in the same sentence regarding adultery? You bet. And, the explanation is simple: Adultery is forgivable.

In all accountability to God I will have to forgive my cheating spouse—the offender—whether he stays or leaves. I will have to forgive the debt as my debts are forgiven. In the scheme of things, adultery, as ugly as it is, is no more unforgivable than lying, theft, murder, covetousness, greed, lust and gossiping. According to my Bible, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23, KJV)

If the marriage is to continue, then the terms are set by God not the offended spouse. God would not have someone held hostage to a sin He has forgiven. What’s the point? How is He glorified when bitterness and hostility reign over love and forgiveness? God sets the penalty; not humans.