And therein lies the key. By all means question everything, but also keep a balanced view, remembering that slander was used by the devil to discredit God in the first place, resulting in devastating consequences for the human race. It was used by the Pharisees to discredit Jesus and his apostles, resulting in the whole nation rejecting their Messiah. It is a great tactic because it works. What 'seems' right, isn't always right.
Proverbs 14:12
"There is a way that seems right to a man, But in the end it leads to death."
There is nothing quite like a twisted half truth or words taken out of context to make the truth into a convincing lie. That has been the devil’s MO all along. Ex’s have something to prove....mostly to themselves. Those who take on the ‘crusade' to save the 'poor brainwashed souls' in our ranks are putting themselves and all who listen to them on thin ice. But that is entirely up to them.
Jesus always taught that sins could only be forgiven if genuine repentance was demonstrated. We, as an international body of Christians, take the scriptural counsel regarding unrepentant wrongdoers very seriously, just as they did in the first century, being instructed to "remove" willful wrongdoers. (1 Corinthians 5:9-13)
The point is, all who break God’s laws will be taken to task over them in the manner outlined in the Bible. It is an obligation for those who are shepherds of the flock to care for
all the members. (Hebrews 13:17) For those who want to cause dissension in our ranks by questioning authority or doctrine, there are ways to submit those questions without disturbing the peace of the congregation, or undermining the faith of others.
For those who commit serious wrongdoing and just want to forget about it and act like nothing happened, there is no scriptural way to do that. God will make sure that their sin will be uncovered and the necessary discipline administered. Because there was no confession, several meetings with the elders will be held with a view to lovingly correct any wrong attitudes and to help them understand why there has to be repentance, and why further action will be taken if necessary. If the person then recognizes their sin and is repentant, discipline will be administered by way of a reproof, but no disfellowshipping will take placed. Only in the case of serious wrongdoing with no repentance demonstrated will there be expulsion from the congregation. It is entirely scriptural, and meant to allow that person time out to reflect on what they have forsaken. It separates the humble from the proud. (Like the Prodigal Son)
For us, our baptism is a dedication to God, a willing agreement made with all the rules of a marriage. We come into a binding relationship with God as members of his nation of worshippers, bound by his laws, just as Israel were. We don’t join a church like some people join a club. Coming into God’s family has obligations and there are rules governing our behavior. If you can’t accept the rules, then don’t commit yourself in the first place. If you know the rules and their consequences, then why complain when you break them and they are enforced?
The 'whiners and complainers' have always existed....those who only see things their own way....we saw them in ancient Israel and in early Christianity....we also saw how God dealt with those who questioned the authority that he bestowed on those appointed to lead the people in worship. If we don't want to recognize the authority of the shepherds, then don't become part of the flock.
If you want a divorce, then go.....but why bad mouth your ex? Those feelings and expressions do not come from a good place. Its pure vengeance disguised as concern. The "angel of light" has "ministers". (2 Corinthians 11:14-15)
In a world ruled by the devil, nothing is as it seems. (1 John 5:19)
God does not change his standards...but humans do, and they often try to force God to abide by
their rules, which of course, he will never do.