A Response to Benny Hinn’s Divorce
on Feb 19 in Everyday Life, FaithSuzanne Hinn, wife of tele-evangelistic Benny Hinn, filed for divorce today. The two have been living separately for the past three weeks.
When I heard the news, my immediate response was to feel extremely sarcastic and condemning. It’s amazing, I thought, how he can “heal” everyone who comes to his miracle healing services, but he can’t heal his own marriage. Why not just ask his wife to make a contribution to his ministry, send her some miracle anointing oil in return, and feature her story on his TBN show? His trademark background string patch could provide the underscore for her story of health and wealth.
See what I mean? Sarcastic and condemning.
But that was my flesh speaking. And then, my heart began to turn.
I began to imagine that I was able to sit down with Benny Hinn, over coffee. And I imagined him looking at me and asking, “What do you think God is doing here?”
The first thing I’d do is insist that we leave the coffee shop, and go to a pub. I think that’s where Christ would go first.
Once we got a seat, I’d think I’d tell him that God didn’t cause the split. Then, I’d tell him that God will use the split, if Benny allows it.
I’d tell him that Jesus hung on a cross for him, and that God doesn’t love him any more, or any less.
I’d tell him that God wants him to step away from public ministry for a really long time.
I’d tell him that God’s Kingdom isn’t the same kingdom he’s been preaching, and that this truth has the potential to completely set his heart free.
I’d tell him that his harshest, most brutal critics will be Christians. I’d tell him that God wishes it wasn’t that way.
I’d tell him that God wants Benny to fall in love with a Jesus who doesn’t invite his followers to experience health, or wealth, or happiness – that the only invitation He offers is to come, and die.
I’d tell him that he doesn’t have to pose anymore – that the facade of his marriage is public, and that his white suits and perfectly groomed hair mean nothing anymore. Again, I’d tell him that this truth is an invitation to deep freedom.
I’d give him Jim Bakker’s phone number, and suggest that he get in touch.
I’d pray for him, and leave him in the pub. I’d drive home as quickly as I could, hug my wife, and recommit my love to her.
Then I’d pray that God would protect me from myself.
Because I can screw things up as much as any preacher on Christian television.
Maybe more.
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GOOD. Let him lose millions of dollars. He's a wolf in sheepskin clothing.
I believe a true showing of God's love would be those evangelical leaders that have labeled Hinn a " WOF teacher"" reach out to him dispite theological canyons seperating them and providing the prayer, counsel and support needed so he doesn't become something even more devastatiing, a divorce statistic. The latest versions of God's Word say He still hates divorce. I pray his church provides all the time and resources needed to see the reconcillation Christ desires for pastor Hinn and his wife. May we the Body, provide the prayer. Our Heavenly Father still uses adversity to draw us closer to Him. Let Benny Hinn see God's real truth come to play out here
Nick: I can not agree more strongly with you. He is still, after all, a human with all the dignity of bearing the God-stamp on his soul. Thank you so much for your words, and for this important reminder.
Question- you mentioned Jim Bakker. I haven't followed his story since his fall from public ministry. Has God done something amazing? God does that kind of stuff all the time. I'd love to hear the story.
Agree with your well issued post. Though I don't think Hinn be a Wolf whatsoever. Problem with this brother is what he beleives, he has several sincere misconceptions. On the other hand, when we summarize in an unbiased way his deeds and his faults, around the world (I'm from Central America, U.S. is not the whole world) we conclude he has done more good than evil, by the grace of God. That said, he need repentance and turn back to the principle of the Kingdom Of Heaven as stated in Mathew chapter 5 to 7. Thanks and bless u all.
Marcos – Thanks for this important reminder to those of us in the States.
Yes, so I’ve heard. But while I don’t really know the guy I think he deserves public scrutiny. Fair scrutiny.
A wise servant doesn't pass a money bucket around, then use it foolishly on a hotel for the night that costs $12,000. This does not surprise me in the least!