Some of us grew up with a predominate image of "gentle Jesus." And there certainly are times when this depiction of Him resonates with a personal need to feel warmly embraced by our Savior (Is. 40:11). But other times, we need to experience His love by knowing we're protected by His mighty arm. 

One favorite movie franchise, based on C.S. Lewis's books, The Chronicles of Narnia, depicts Jesus as Aslan, a majestic lion; guardian, servant-leader, and king. 

So often, the woman who has experienced intimate betrayal is shown the cross as an example of how Christ forgave.

She's exhorted to "do unto others," and to remember that "all have sinned." (Mk. 17:12 & Rom. 3:23)

Theologically, this isn't wrong. 

But let's not forget that while YES Jesus forgives, He also loves justice.

In fact, it is the Father's demand for justice that required His own perfect sacrifice. (2 Cor. 5:21)
The penalty for sin has been satisfied--it hasn't gone unpunished. (Rom. 3:25) 

Not only did Jesus give us a perfect example of how to treat others, the Bible also condemns certain behaviors, like adultery.

Avoiding sinful behavior isn't just for our own good. While some popular schools of thought try to sell "sin-avoidance" as the ultimate way to get-ahead in life, this is a dangerously subtle way of worshipping one's self-interest over all else.

A life without the pain and suffering that accompanies sin was part of God's original design for us. As believers, we are to be bothered by sin. Sinful behaviors are upsetting to the soul who loves and abides in the Lord! (Eph. 4:15)

As image bearers of Christ, human beings have the unique opportunity to either exalt the Creator by which they were made, or to allow themselves to be governed by the laws and principalities of this world. A person's chosen behaviors will be rooted in what they believe to be true. 

 Not only is Jesus gentle, He actively hates sin. 

If sexual sin has entered your marriage, know that God is also repulsed. (Prov. 6:16-19)

If the revelation of betrayal is new to you, then it may be difficult for you to see the personhood of your husband as separate from the decisions he made, or the actions he took. 

Even if it has been some time since you learned of the incidence(s) of betrayal, you may still be languishing with inner conflict, wondering if forgiveness means that he "got away with it."  Or questioning if your forgiveness is genuine because it's still so upsetting to think about. 

In these moments, friends, know that our God is strong, mighty, and powerful, and loves you beyond measure. 

Joni Eareckson Tada, a woman who was paralyzed from the neck down at a young age due to a diving accident, and now ministers powerfully to the suffering captures this sentiment beautifully. She says, 

“Here at our ministry we refuse to present a picture of “gentle Jesus, meek and mild,” a portrait that tugs at your sentiments or pulls at your heartstrings. That’s because we deal with so many people who suffer, and when you’re hurting hard, you’re neither helped nor inspired by a syrupy picture of the Lord, like those sugary, sentimental images many of us grew up with. You know what I mean? Jesus with His hair parted down the middle, surrounded by cherubic children and bluebirds.

Come on. Admit it: When your heart is being wrung out like a sponge, when you feel like Morton’s salt is being poured into your wounded soul, you don’t want a thin, pale, emotional Jesus who relates only to lambs and birds and babies.

You want a warrior Jesus.

You want a battlefield Jesus. You want his rigorous and robust gospel to command your sensibilities to stand at attention.

To be honest, many of the sentimental hymns and gospel songs of our heritage don’t do much to hone that image. One of the favorite words of hymn writers in days gone by was sweet. It’s a term that down’t have the edge on it that it once did. When you’re in a dark place, when lions surround you, when you need strong help to rescue you from impossibility, you don’t want “sweet.” You don’t want faded pastels and honeyed softness.

You want mighty. You want the strong arm an unshakable grip of God who will not let you go — no matter what.”

Jehovah Gibbor

Meaning: "The LORD the mighty warrior"

Etymology: Derived from the Hebrew word "gibbor," meaning "mighty" or "strong."

Example: Jeremiah 20:11 (ESV) – "But the LORD is with me as a dread warrior (Jehovah Gibbor); therefore my persecutors will stumble; they will not overcome me."

Jehovah Gibbor is a name that highlights God's power and might in battle. This name is often used in the context of God fighting on behalf of His people and delivering them from their enemies.

May you find comfort in seeing Jesus not only as the Gentle Shepherd, but also as the warrior you know you need on your side, sister.  You are not alone.