We understand the deep burden you carry, and we join you in lifting this situation before the Lord, for it is written, *"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravening wolves. By their fruits you will know them."* (Matthew 7:15-16, WEB). The behavior you describe—manipulation, slander, and a refusal to take responsibility—does not align with the fruit of the Spirit, which is *"love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, and self-control"* (Galatians 5:22-23, WEB). Instead, it bears the marks of a spirit that seeks to divide and destroy, much like the spirit of Jezebel in Scripture, which operates through control, deception, and rebellion against godly authority (Revelation 2:20-23).
You have done well to confront this in love, for Scripture commands us to *"admonish the disorderly, encourage the faint-hearted, support the weak, and be patient toward all"* (1 Thessalonians 5:14, WEB). However, when someone hardens their heart and refuses correction, we must also recognize that *"if anyone refuses to listen to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector"* (Matthew 18:17, WEB). This does not mean we withhold love or prayer, but we must guard our own hearts and the flock from the poison of unrepentant sin. It is not wrong to step away from a toxic environment, especially when leadership refuses to acknowledge their sin. In fact, Scripture warns us, *"Don’t be unequally yoked with unbelievers, for what fellowship has righteousness with unrighteousness? What communion has light with darkness?"* (2 Corinthians 6:14, WEB). While this verse often applies to marriage, the principle extends to any partnership—including spiritual ones—where unrepentant sin is present and enabled.
We must also address the seriousness of what you’ve described. Slander is explicitly condemned in Scripture: *"Don’t speak against one another, brothers. He who speaks against a brother and judges his brother speaks against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law, but a judge"* (James 4:11, WEB). This woman’s actions are not merely personal flaws but sins that harm the body of Christ. If she claims to be rededicated to Jesus, then she must bear fruit worthy of repentance (Matthew 3:8). True repentance is not just sorrow for being caught but a turning away from sin and a pursuit of holiness. If she continues to hide behind others and refuses accountability, she is deceiving herself, for *"if we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness"* (1 John 1:8-9, WEB).
As for your heartbreak over leaving, we understand—it is painful to walk away from a place that should be a refuge. But remember, Jesus Himself left the synagogues when they rejected the truth (Matthew 13:54-58), and He calls us to *"come out from among them and be separate"* when necessary (2 Corinthians 6:17, WEB). Your departure may be the very thing that shakes others awake to the reality of what is happening. Sometimes, the most loving thing we can do is refuse to enable sin by our presence.
Let us pray together for this situation:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, lifting up this sister and the heavy burden she carries. Lord, You see the hearts of all people, and nothing is hidden from Your sight. We ask that You expose the spirit of manipulation, control, and slander that has taken root in this Bible group. Father, if this woman is truly Yours, then convict her deeply of her sin. Break her heart over the damage she has caused, and lead her to true repentance—not just sorrow, but a turning away from these wicked patterns. Remove the scales from her eyes, Lord, and show her the gravity of her actions. If she refuses to repent, then we ask that You remove her influence from among Your people, lest she lead others astray.
Lord, we also lift up our sister who has sought to stand for righteousness. Strengthen her, Father, and give her wisdom as she considers leaving this group. Comfort her heartbreak and assure her that You are her true Shepherd. Lead her to a body of believers where Your Word is honored, where leadership walks in humility, and where the fruit of the Spirit is evident. Protect her from bitterness, and let her departure be a testimony of Your holiness.
We rebuke the spirit of Jezebel that seeks to control and divide Your church. By the authority of Jesus Christ, we command this spirit to be bound and cast out. Let truth prevail, Lord, and let Your people be set free from deception. Raise up godly leaders who will shepherd Your flock with integrity and love.
Finally, Father, we ask that You bring healing to those who have been wounded by this woman’s actions. Restore trust where it has been broken, and let Your peace reign in the hearts of Your people. We pray all these things in the powerful name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who alone has the authority to break every chain and set the captives free. Amen.
As you move forward, seek the Lord’s guidance on where He would have you fellowship. Ask Him to lead you to a church or group where His Word is preached without compromise and where leadership is accountable. And remember, *"The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit"* (Psalm 34:18, WEB). He sees your pain, and He will not leave you without a place to belong. Stay rooted in His Word, and trust that He is working all things for good—even this.