Jesus could have judged the woman caught in adultery (John 8:3-11). She was guilty, after all. The crowd knew it. She knew it, too. And according to the strict law of Moses, she deserved death by stoning.
Rocks in hand, the men dragged the woman through the streets, and asked Jesus for her final verdict. Instead of condemning her, Jesus forgave her.
That story from the book of John is helpful for couples whose marriages have been assaulted by the betrayal of adultery. Even though you have grounds for divorce, you also have grounds for forgiveness.
Chris and Cindy Beall have walked that difficult path and come out the other side with a healed marriage that is happier and stronger than it was before.
Chris’s struggle with pornography started when he was 8 years old, followed him through adolescence, and bore its bitter fruit when he reached adulthood. It changed him. It shifted the moral center of his life, even after becoming a believer and a follower of Jesus Christ.
While serving as a youth pastor in Tennessee, Chris succumbed to temptation and was unfaithful to Cindy. The other woman became pregnant.
Cindy almost left the marriage. But then a pastor challenged her with this: “You are not a fool to stay and be a part of the redemptive work in a man’s life.” It wasn’t easy, but Cindy committed to God’s redemptive work in her, in her husband, and in their marriage.
So did their church. They rallied around Chris and Cindy and nurtured them back to health.
I love hearing stories of marriages that are restored and redeemed by God’s grace. If two people are willing to do whatever it takes to work at their marriage, God can redeem the relationship because He is a redeeming God.
Today, if your marriage is in trouble, we want to remind you that there is hope. There is a way through this dark moment. You can heal, learn to communicate better, love each other again and, ultimately, to honor God in the commitment you make to your marriage.
We have caring Christian counselors on staff, and it would be their privilege to offer you a free initial consultation. Call us, leave your name and number, and they’ll get back with you just as soon as possible. The number during business hours is 1-800-A-FAMILY (232-6459).
I also want to remind you about Hope Restored. If you’re on the brink of divorce, these marriage intensives can go a long way toward facilitating healing between you and your spouse and bringing restoration to your relationship. The number for Hope Restored is 1-866-875-2915, or visit online.
And take a few minutes to listen to our broadcast “Rebuilding a Stronger Marriage” with Chris and Cindy Beall. They have a remarkable story and offer encouragement, hope, and helpful advice. Tune in on your local radio station, online, on iTunes, via Podcast, or on our free phone app.
Here at Focus, we want to help you have the best marriage you can have. That’s why we continue to produce these kinds of programs, resources, and tools to give you that reinforcement. We count it a privilege to come alongside you, whether your crisis is big or small.
And if you’re in a good spot, I hope you’ll join us in making a difference in the lives of families who need a shoulder to lean on. We couldn’t minister to them without prayer and regular financial support from friends like you.
If you’ll join us with a monthly pledge of any amount, we’ll send you a copy of Cindy’s book Rebuilding a Marriage Better Than New as our way of saying thank you for helping us encourage couples and families. We’re grateful for your support!
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