CWW Week 39 - Spiritual Adultery - Day 6
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Title: “Tolerating Jezebel”
Revelation 2:20–22 (NIV):
“Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophet. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols. I have given her time to repent of her immorality, but she is unwilling. So I will cast her on a bed of suffering, and I will make those who commit adultery with her suffer intensely, unless they repent of her ways.”
A Church with a Blind Spot
The church in Thyatira had a lot going for it—love, faith, service, perseverance. Outwardly, they were ticking boxes. They looked healthy. But Jesus, who walks among the churches and sees their hearts, had something serious to say:
“You tolerate that woman Jezebel…”
This isn’t just about one person. It’s about a spirit, a mindset, a compromise that had crept into the church. Someone who claimed to speak for God was actually leading believers into spiritual and moral corruption.
The church didn’t confront it.
They didn’t correct it.
They tolerated it.
And Jesus wasn’t silent about it.
The Danger of Tolerance Without Discernment
We live in a world that values tolerance. And in many ways, rightly so—kindness, grace, and patience are central to Christian love. But there’s a line. Tolerating sin that leads people away from God isn’t love—it’s neglect.
The “Jezebel” mentioned here was likely not named Jezebel literally but was symbolic of the Old Testament queen—Jezebel, wife of King Ahab—who led Israel into idolatry, witchcraft, and spiritual adultery. In this New Testament context, her modern counterpart was doing something similar: blending pagan culture with Christian faith and leading people into compromise.
And the church was putting up with it.
This is spiritual adultery in disguise—when false teaching dresses up in religious clothing and pulls hearts away from the purity of Christ.
Spiritual Adultery: The Real Issue
Jesus says those who follow this “Jezebel” are committing adultery with her—not physically, but spiritually. Their allegiance to Christ was being broken by participation in sin, idolatry, and false teaching.
They may have thought it was harmless.
They may have justified it.
They may have even felt “open-minded” or “progressive.”
But Jesus calls it immorality and idolatry, plain and simple.
He gives Jezebel time to repent, showing His mercy. But she refuses. And the warning becomes serious: “I will cast her on a bed of suffering… unless they repent.”
Jesus doesn’t just care about behaviour—He cares about the heart. And when His people are led away from Him into sin, especially under the guise of “spiritual teaching,” it’s a matter of spiritual betrayal.
The Seduction of Compromise
Let’s be honest—today’s culture offers its own Jezebel spirit. It whispers messages like:
- “Do what feels right to you.”
- “God understands—you’re only human.”
- “Love is love—don’t be so rigid.”
- “You don’t have to take the Bible that seriously.”
These messages, often packaged with just enough truth to sound spiritual, can lead believers into compromise. Slowly, subtly, we drift from the truth.
And instead of confronting sin, we start tolerating it.
But Jesus doesn’t call us to tolerance when it comes to teachings that lead His people away from Him. He calls us to truth, purity, and faithful love.
His Desire: Repentance and Renewal
Despite the strong rebuke, Jesus still offers a way back: repentance. He always does. He doesn’t want to punish—He wants to redeem.
If you’ve compromised—come home.
If you’ve tolerated sin—confess it.
If you’ve been misled—let His Word renew your mind.
If your love has grown lukewarm—He can rekindle it.
He’s not looking for perfection—He’s looking for devotion.
Final Thoughts
Spiritual adultery doesn’t always look like open rebellion. Sometimes, it looks like tolerance. A quiet compromise. A teaching we never challenged. A sin we stopped confronting.
But Jesus sees. He speaks. And in His mercy, He calls us back.
Let’s not tolerate anything that takes our hearts away from Him. Let’s be a church—and individuals—marked by faithfulness, discernment, and love that stays true to Christ.
Reflection Questions
- Are there teachings or cultural attitudes you’ve tolerated that contradict the truth of God’s Word?
- Have you allowed spiritual compromise to creep into your faith through entertainment, relationships, or beliefs?
- What would repentance look like in your life today to restore wholehearted devotion to Jesus?
Prayer
Dear Lord, Papa God,
Forgive me for the times I’ve tolerated things that lead me away from You. I’ve allowed compromise to slip in where there should have been conviction. I’ve been influenced by the world instead of shaped by Your Word. Cleanse my heart from spiritual adultery, and renew a right spirit within me. Give me discernment to recognise false teachings and the courage to stand for truth—even when it’s unpopular. Thank You for Your grace that always calls me home. I want to be found faithful, loyal, and devoted to You alone.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Have a great day today with Jesus.
Graham Hood.
