Let me start with a little background information and then I'll explain the problem. My wife and I have been married for 8 years this coming October. Almost 5 years ago my marriage was in dire straights, my wife was going off the deep end from some unresolved teenage issues and I unfortunately had an affair. I am deepy repentant and would never, ever do anything like this again. My wife is aware (doesn't know all the details but knows enough) and we have both been to counseling for our "issues". My marriage today is better than it has ever been. I have been truly blessed with a second chance.
About 2 years ago I came to know Christ and his forgiveness. I was raised Catholic and initially returned to the church. My wife practiced as a non-denominational Christian prior to our marraige but tried to give Roman Catholic churches a shot. This didn't go to well due to the strong differences in leadership structure.
Needless to say My wife and I found a very nice, large non-denominational church that is very family oriented. We have attended this church for 7 months or so. My kids are all enrolled in Sunday school classes. My wife and I attend a bible study together and I have gotten involved in a small mens group.
Everything was going great until last week. Here I am standing in the worship service singing my heart out and guess what? The woman I had the affair with comes in late to the service and is escorted to the pew right infront of me!! I had no idea that this woman attended this church. The church is fairly large serving over 3000 people on Sunday. Needless to say, I about fell over dead. This woman never saw me, or at least I don't think she did. I am beginning to think that she attends this church every now and then but most of her family probably attend on a regular basis.
My question is this: Do I leave the church? I have been praying about this all week and am not sure what to do. I understand that I will pay a price for my sin all of my life. Should I expose my family to possibly embarassing experiece? Is this selfishness that prompts me to find another church or is it a desire to grow in Christ with my family with out any constant reminders of the past? What a humbling experience....
I truly don't know what to do. I haven't told my wife about this. I am not so attached to the church that I couldn't leave, I really like it there but it is the first church I have attended outside of the Roman Catholic relm. I don't want to be around this woman ever again. Kind of a strange predicament, justice in some ways I guess.
Sorry for rambling on for so long...
Peace in Christ,
Brian
About 2 years ago I came to know Christ and his forgiveness. I was raised Catholic and initially returned to the church. My wife practiced as a non-denominational Christian prior to our marraige but tried to give Roman Catholic churches a shot. This didn't go to well due to the strong differences in leadership structure.
Needless to say My wife and I found a very nice, large non-denominational church that is very family oriented. We have attended this church for 7 months or so. My kids are all enrolled in Sunday school classes. My wife and I attend a bible study together and I have gotten involved in a small mens group.
Everything was going great until last week. Here I am standing in the worship service singing my heart out and guess what? The woman I had the affair with comes in late to the service and is escorted to the pew right infront of me!! I had no idea that this woman attended this church. The church is fairly large serving over 3000 people on Sunday. Needless to say, I about fell over dead. This woman never saw me, or at least I don't think she did. I am beginning to think that she attends this church every now and then but most of her family probably attend on a regular basis.
My question is this: Do I leave the church? I have been praying about this all week and am not sure what to do. I understand that I will pay a price for my sin all of my life. Should I expose my family to possibly embarassing experiece? Is this selfishness that prompts me to find another church or is it a desire to grow in Christ with my family with out any constant reminders of the past? What a humbling experience....
I truly don't know what to do. I haven't told my wife about this. I am not so attached to the church that I couldn't leave, I really like it there but it is the first church I have attended outside of the Roman Catholic relm. I don't want to be around this woman ever again. Kind of a strange predicament, justice in some ways I guess.
Sorry for rambling on for so long...
Peace in Christ,
Brian
