Hot Button Issue #7: I'm Only Rescuing Her . . .

A man, a member of your church, becomes romantically involved with a married woman, also a church member. You admonish him to break off all contact with the woman, even as she begins divorce proceedings against her husband. He insists he is doing nothing inappropriate. Indeed, he claims to be supporting her as a friend through this difficult time. After all, she was the victim of abuse by her husband, also a church member.

The man rebuffs all arguments that he should abandon the relationship, so you rescind his church membership and inform him he can no longer participate in church activities or worship services. He says, “You treat outsiders better than you treat me. I’d be more welcome if I were a heathen instead of a member.”You have to admit he’s right. You have actively encouraged people with sinful lifestyles to come to church and seek God. So how do you explain your seemingly inconsistent treatment of him?