5 Lies Christians Believe About Adultery You Must Face to Improve Your Christian Marriage
5 Common Lies Christians Believe About Adultery
In the realm of Christian marriage, adultery remains a challenging and often misunderstood topic. Many believers hold onto misconceptions that can hinder healing and growth in their relationships. Let's explore five common lies Christians believe about adultery and how confronting these myths can lead to a stronger, more resilient Christian marriage.
Adultery Can Be Kept Secret Forever
One of the most pervasive lies Christians believe about adultery is that it can remain hidden indefinitely. This deception often stems from a place of shame and fear, but it's crucial to understand that secrets have a way of surfacing, often with devastating consequences.
As a Christian counselor, I've witnessed firsthand the damage caused by this belief. Secrets create barriers in relationships, hindering true intimacy and connection. The Bible reminds us in Luke 8:17, "For nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come to light."
Confronting this lie involves embracing honesty and transparency in your Christian marriage. It's a challenging step, but one that opens the door to genuine healing and restoration.
It Will Never Happen to Me
Many Christians fall into the trap of believing they're immune to adultery. This false sense of security can lead to complacency in nurturing and protecting one's marriage. I had the same belief that it would never happen to me and it did. I was devastated and questioned everything about my marriage and even my faith. I racked my brain to find the signs I missed leading up to infidelity as the betrayed spouse.
Also, In my journey as a therapist, I've encountered numerous couples who never imagined infidelity would touch their lives. It's crucial to recognize that no one is inherently immune to temptation. The apostle Paul warns in 1 Corinthians 10:12, "Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall."
To combat this lie, cultivate humility and vigilance in your Christian marriage. Regularly invest time and effort into strengthening your bond and maintaining open communication with your spouse. Go to therapy as a couple to get help to work through problems in your marriage. We did and it was life changing for both of us.
Adultery is Unforgivable
Perhaps one of the most damaging lies Christians believe about adultery is that it's an unforgivable sin. This misconception can lead to despair and hopelessness, preventing couples from seeking the healing and reconciliation that God offers. I was able to forgive my husband and he was able to forgive me because of Christ’s redeeming work on the cross.
As someone who has walked alongside couples navigating the aftermath of infidelity, I can attest to the transformative power of forgiveness. While the journey is undoubtedly challenging, it's important to remember that God's grace extends to all sins, including adultery.
The Bible provides numerous examples of God's forgiveness, including David's adultery with Bathsheba. Psalm 103:12 reminds us, "As far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us."
Embracing forgiveness doesn't mean ignoring the pain or consequences of adultery. Instead, it opens the door to healing and the possibility of rebuilding trust in your Christian marriage.
Marriage Can Never Recover
Another prevalent lie is the belief that a marriage can never fully recover from adultery. This falsehood can lead couples to give up on their relationship prematurely, without exploring the potential for healing and growth.
My spouse and I went to The Focus on the Family Marriage Intensive. We went through 4 days of rigorous therapy. It saved our relationship. It helped us both realize how we had personal habits that were not protecting and helping our marriage thrive. It’s okay to ask for help when you need it. Marriage is difficult sometimes and everyone needs help at some point. (Even Therapists!)
In my practice, I've had the privilege of witnessing marriages not only survive adultery but emerge stronger and more intimate. While the road to recovery is often long and challenging, it's far from impossible. My marriage is living proof that you can recover and heal from infidelity with the right help.
God's restorative power is evident throughout Scripture. Joel 2:25 promises, "I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten." This promise extends to marriages affected by adultery as well and it was evident in our healing process as well.
Overcoming this lie requires patience, commitment, and often professional guidance. Couples who invest in their healing journey can experience a renewed and strengthened Christian marriage.
Only One Person is at Fault
The final lie we'll address is the misconception that adultery is solely the fault of the unfaithful spouse. While the decision to engage in infidelity is indeed a personal choice, it's crucial to recognize that marriages exist in a broader context.
Throughout my career, I've observed that adultery often occurs in the context of existing marital issues. This doesn't excuse the act but highlights the importance of both partners examining their roles in the relationship's health. As the betrayed spouse, I had some attitudes and actions that were hurting my marriage. I had to deal with that, humble myself, and listen to God’s conviction for healing to be successful.
Proverbs 4:23 advises, "Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life." This wisdom applies to both spouses in a Christian marriage. By addressing underlying issues and working together, couples can create a stronger foundation for their relationship.
Your Marriage is Worth Fighting For
Confronting these lies Christians believe about adultery is crucial for improving and strengthening your Christian marriage. By embracing truth, forgiveness, and God's restorative power, couples can navigate the challenging waters of infidelity and emerge with a deeper, more resilient bond. My husband and I are more diligent in our positive marital habits. We make it a point to pay attention when things feel off and we address it sooner rather than later.
Remember, healing is possible, and your marriage is worth fighting for. If you're struggling with the betrayal trauma of adultery or seeking to strengthen your relationship, don't hesitate to seek professional Christian counseling. Together, we can work towards restoring trust, fostering true intimacy, and transforming your marriage.
(Note and disclaimer: I’m licensed to practice in the States of Alabama and Tennessee. If you are outside of those states and you need help, reach out to someone in your state/town who can help you navigate healing from betrayal trauma and/or abuse, however anyone can sign up to receive my newsletter and marriage tips from my blog. Also, this blog is for educational and informational purposes only and it not medical or mental health advice and it should not replace professional or medical attention. Seek treatment from a medical or mental health professional. )
