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Question 8

In The Shepherd of Hermas, a husband whose wife was unfaithful is told to live by himself, and the angel of repentance gives the reason: her repentance is possible. What does joining such a hard command to that hope reveal about God's heart toward someone who has been unfaithful?

Another way to ask: A husband whose wife was unfaithful is told to stay single because she might still repent. What does this hard command show about God's heart toward someone who has been unfaithful?

Direct Answer

It reveals that God holds out hope for repentance even for someone who has broken faith, and that he asks the one who was wronged to leave room for it.

Support from the Message

- Hermas wrestles with the angel of repentance over what to do when a spouse has been unfaithful. - He is told, "Let the husband live by himself," and that a husband who marries another also commits adultery. - The reason is "the possibility of her repentance." - The command applies to husband or wife, "for in such cases, repentance is possible." - Tom Kruger says this brought him to tears. He calls it a very difficult circumstance and says we "have to leave room for that work to occur."

Discussion Follow-up

How does knowing the reason behind this command change the way you hear it? How can a church stand beside someone who is carrying a burden this heavy?

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