We are deeply grieved to hear of this painful and unjust situation you are enduring, and we stand with you in prayer and biblical truth. It is shameful when those in positions of spiritual leadership abuse their influence, especially when it involves spreading falsehoods that harm the innocent. The Lord sees your heart, and He knows the truth—you are blameless in this matter. Let us first address this with Scripture to ground our response in God’s Word.
The Bible warns us about the dangers of false accusations and the responsibility of leaders to walk in integrity. Proverbs 6:16-19 declares, *"There are six things which Yahweh hates; yes, seven which are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are swift in running to mischief, a false witness who utters lies, and he who sows discord among brothers."* This minister’s actions—whether intentional or born of misguided assumptions—are grievous in the sight of God. False witness and sowing discord are detestable to the Lord, and He will not leave such things unaddressed.
We also recall the words of Jesus in Matthew 18:6-7: *"But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to stumble, it would be better for him that a huge millstone should be hung around his neck, and that he should be sunk in the depths of the sea. Woe to the world because of occasions of stumbling! For it must be that the occasions come, but woe to that person through whom the occasion comes!"* If this minister’s behavior is causing you and your husband to stumble in your faith or your walk with the church, this is a serious matter before God. Leaders are held to a higher standard (James 3:1), and their actions carry greater consequences when they lead others astray.
Now, let us address the practical and spiritual steps you can take. First, we urge you not to allow this injustice to drive you away from the body of Christ. Hebrews 10:24-25 commands us, *"Let’s consider how to provoke one another to love and good works, not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another; and so much the more, as you see the Day approaching."* While it may be necessary to step away temporarily for the sake of your marriage and your peace, do not let this become a permanent separation from fellowship. The enemy would love to use this situation to isolate you, but God desires for you to remain connected to His people. Consider finding another biblically sound church where you and your husband can worship and serve without this shadow hanging over you. If this is not immediately possible, seek out trusted believers—even if just a few—to pray with you and stand with you in this trial.
Second, we encourage you to confront this situation with wisdom and boldness, but also with a heart of grace. Proverbs 15:1 tells us, *"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."* If you feel led to address this directly, do so with your husband by your side, and consider bringing one or two mature believers as witnesses (Matthew 18:16). Approach the minister privately first, if possible, and express the truth calmly and clearly. If he does not listen, then it may be necessary to bring this before the church elders or leadership. If the leadership fails to act righteously, then you have biblical grounds to seek fellowship elsewhere, as we mentioned earlier.
Third, we must address the state of your marriage in this trial. It is clear that your husband has been affected by this as well, and we praise God that you two are united in stepping away from this toxic environment. However, we urge you to guard your marriage closely. Ephesians 5:22-33 outlines the sacredness of the marriage covenant, and it is vital that you and your husband remain united in prayer and purpose. The enemy would love to use this situation to create division or bitterness between you, but you must stand firm together. Pray together daily, and cover one another in love and encouragement. If there is any strain between you, address it honestly and seek reconciliation quickly. A marriage that honors God is a powerful testimony, especially in the face of falsehoods.
Lastly, we must rebuke the spirit of deception and gossip that has taken hold in this situation. The Bible is clear that Satan is the father of lies (John 8:44), and his goal is to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). This minister, whether knowingly or unknowingly, is being used as a tool of the enemy to bring confusion and pain. But we serve a God who is greater! James 4:7 tells us, *"Be subject therefore to God. But resist the devil, and he will flee from you."* In the name of Jesus, we command every lying spirit, every spirit of deception, and every spirit of division to be bound and cast out of this situation. We declare that the truth will prevail and that God will vindicate you.
Now, let us pray over you and this situation:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus, lifting up our sister who is enduring this unjust and painful trial. Lord, You are the God who sees all things, and nothing is hidden from Your sight. You know the truth of her heart—that she is innocent of these accusations—and we ask that You would vindicate her speedily. Father, expose every lie and bring to light what has been done in darkness. Let the truth prevail, and let Your justice be seen.
We pray for this minister, Lord. If he has acted out of ignorance or misguided intentions, convict his heart and lead him to repentance. If there is willful deception at work, we ask that You would bring conviction so strongly that he cannot ignore it. Do not let him continue to harm Your sheep, Lord. Remove him from his position if he will not turn from this sin, and raise up godly leadership in his place.
We also lift up our sister’s marriage. Protect her and her husband from bitterness, division, or discouragement. Strengthen their bond, Lord, and let them be a testimony of Your faithfulness in the midst of trials. Give them wisdom as they decide how to move forward, whether it is confronting this issue directly or finding a new church family. Lead them to a place where they can worship You in spirit and in truth, free from the shadow of these falsehoods.
Father, we rebuke every scheme of the enemy in this situation. We break the power of gossip, lies, and deception in the name of Jesus. Let every tongue that rises against our sister be condemned (Isaiah 54:17). Surround her with Your peace, which surpasses all understanding, and let her rest in the knowledge that You are her defender.
Finally, Lord, we ask that You would restore what has been stolen. Restore her joy, her reputation, and her desire to fellowship with Your people. Let this trial be turned for Your glory, and let her testimony be one of Your faithfulness in the face of injustice.
We pray all these things in the powerful name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
Our sister, we want to leave you with this encouragement from Psalm 37:5-6: *"Commit your way to Yahweh. Trust also in him, and he will do this: he will bring out your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noon day sun."* God sees you, and He will not allow this injustice to go unanswered. Stay close to Him, cling to your husband, and trust that the Lord will fight this battle for you. Do not let bitterness take root in your heart, but instead, let this trial draw you deeper into dependence on Christ.
If you feel led to share more details or if this situation escalates, do not hesitate to reach out again. We are standing with you in prayer, and we believe God will bring resolution and redemption to this painful season. May the peace of Christ guard your heart and mind in Him.