As spiritual people, we believe in the power of love. And when we begin romantic relationships, we want to trust in love as well.
Whether or not we’re married, we may choose to pledge to our romantic partner that we will be faithful to that individual, and want to trust that we will get that in return.
But what happens if that trust you place in your spouse or partner is broken through infidelity?
What the Bible Says About Adultery in Marriage
When it comes to marriage, Hebrews 13:4 makes it clear that honoring our marriage views means being faithful to our spouse.
Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer, reads the Bible.
And for those tempted to become involved with someone other than a spouse receive a stern warning from Proverbs 6:32, which cautions that a man who commits adultery has no sense; whoever does so destroys himself.
We can be pretty sure that now, in modern times, that can be applied to women’s choices as well.
Christians seek to follow God’s will. In the case of infidelity, the Bible is very clear.
In Matthew 5:27-28, Jesus says,
You have heard that it was said, You shall not commit adultery. But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
In Matthew 19:8, Jesus goes on to say,
I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.
So, infidelity can be seen as starting in the heart, and it is the only example that Jesus gives us as a pretty good reason to leave a marriage if things can’t be fixed. By modern standards, of course, abuse inside a marriage might also have been a deal breaker, but no one seems to have asked Jesus about that.
Now, not everyone reading this will be Christian, but many belief systems outside of Christianity believe Jesus to be a prophet… or, at very least, quite wise. We can probably all agree that sometimes, it is just to much to get past.
But the Bible Also Emphasizes the Importance of Forgiveness
In Colossians 3:12 – 14, we are told that as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, we should develop the qualities of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
We are also urged to bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone, forgiving as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
How to respond to infidelity, unfaithfulness, and adultery is therefore a very personal choice. But, unless you’re moved to pull a Carrie Underwood, singing “Before He Cheats” while trashing his car (please don’t!), your response to forgive and stay OR to leave can come from a place of good spiritual conscience. You don’t have to feel spiritually bound to one or the other in the question of “What’s right?”.
The answer can come from your heart and what is best for you.
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