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What Does the Bible Say About Infidelity? – Viral Believer
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What Does the Bible Say About Infidelity?

Infidelity is a common issue in marriages and relationships today. It causes significant pain and distrust and often leads to the end of a relationship.

As Christians, we look to the Bible for guidance on how to live our lives, and it is important to understand what the Bible says about infidelity and how to avoid it in our relationships.

In this blog post, we will explore what the Bible says about infidelity, the consequences of infidelity, and how to avoid it.

The Bible speaks about infidelity in both the Old and New Testaments. We see examples of infidelity among some of the patriarchs, such as Adam, Abraham, and David in the Old Testament. In the New Testament, Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus, one of his closest friends, for thirty pieces of silver.

As Christians, it is important to understand what the Bible says about infidelity and how it can be avoided in our own relationships.

This blog post aims to provide Christians with a clear understanding of what the Bible teaches about infidelity. We will examine the biblical examples of infidelity, explore the Bible’s teachings on the sanctity of marriage and the importance of fidelity, and discuss the consequences of infidelity.

We will also provide practical advice on how to avoid infidelity by building a strong relationship with God, building a strong relationship with your partner, and avoiding temptation.

By the end of this post, we hope that you will have a better understanding of the biblical perspective on infidelity and how to avoid it in your own relationships.

infidelity in the Bible

Infidelity in the Bible

Infidelity is not a new phenomenon, and we see examples of infidelity in the Bible. In the Old Testament, we see examples of infidelity among some of the patriarchs such as Adam, Abraham, and David.

For instance, Adam and Eve were the first couple created by God, but they fell into temptation and sinned against God by eating the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, which God had forbidden them to eat.

In doing so, they betrayed their covenant relationship with God, and their sin brought devastating consequences upon them and their descendants.

Abraham, the father of many nations, had a moment of infidelity with Hagar, his wife’s maidservant. He took matters into his own hands instead of trusting God’s promise of a son through Sarah, his wife. As a result, he fathered Ishmael, who became a thorn in his side and his descendants’ enemies.

David, a man after God’s own heart, committed adultery with Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah, one of his soldiers, and subsequently had Uriah killed to cover up his sin (2 Samuel 11). David’s sin caused significant pain and brokenness in his life, his family, and his kingdom.

In the New Testament, Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus, one of his closest friends, for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14-16). He had walked with Jesus, witnessed His miracles, and heard His teachings, but he chose to betray Him instead of following Him.

Infidelity is a common sin, and it can happen to anyone, no matter their status, position, or spiritual maturity.

What the Bible Says About Infidelity

The Bible makes it clear that infidelity is a sin. In Exodus 20:14, God commands, “You shall not commit adultery.” Adultery is a violation of God’s law, which defines marriage as a lifelong, exclusive union between one man and one woman.

Infidelity is a breach of that covenant relationship, a breaking of trust that can cause severe damage to a marriage or a relationship.

Proverbs 6:32-33 states, “Whoever commits adultery with a woman lacks understanding; he who does so destroys his own soul.

Wounds and dishonor he will get, and his reproach will not be wiped away.” Adultery is a foolish and destructive sin that causes both spiritual and physical harm. It not only brings shame and dishonor upon oneself, but it also hurts one’s spouse, children, and other family members.

Jesus also spoke about the sanctity of marriage and the importance of fidelity in Matthew 19:4-6,

“And He answered and said to them, ‘Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning “made them male and female,” and said, “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh”? So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.'”

Marriage is a sacred union that God instituted, and it is meant to be a reflection of the relationship between Christ and His church (Ephesians 5:22-33). Infidelity breaks that covenant relationship and damages the trust that is essential to a healthy marriage.

The Consequences of Infidelity

The consequences of infidelity can be devastating to both the unfaithful partner and the betrayed spouse. Infidelity can lead to broken trust, emotional and psychological damage, and even physical consequences such as sexually transmitted infections.

In Proverbs 6:32-33, we see that those who commit adultery “destroy their own soul” and bring dishonor upon themselves. Furthermore, infidelity can lead to the breakdown of a marriage or relationship and ultimately cause pain and hurt to everyone involved.

The emotional consequences of infidelity can be long-lasting and affect not only the spouse but also the children, extended family, and friends. The betrayed spouse may experience feelings of anger, sadness, and betrayal and struggle to trust their partner again.

The unfaithful partner may feel guilty and ashamed of their actions and may struggle with the consequences of their sin.

Infidelity can also have physical consequences. Sexual activity outside of marriage can lead to sexually transmitted infections or unwanted pregnancies. In addition, the emotional distress caused by infidelity can lead to physical health problems such as anxiety, depression, and substance abuse.

How to Avoid Infidelity

Avoiding infidelity requires intentional effort and a commitment to staying faithful to one’s partner. The Bible provides guidance on how to avoid infidelity by fostering a strong relationship with God, building a strong relationship with your partner, and avoiding temptation.

Fostering a Strong Relationship with God

Fostering a strong relationship with God is essential to avoiding infidelity. Through prayer, reading the Bible, and attending church, we can build our faith and rely on God’s strength to resist temptation.

Psalm 119:11 says, “Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.” As we grow in our relationship with God, we can become more aware of His will for our lives and more equipped to resist temptation.

Building a Strong Relationship with Your Partner

Building a strong relationship with your partner is also crucial in avoiding infidelity. Open and honest communication, setting boundaries, and maintaining intimacy are all key components of a strong relationship.

In Ephesians 5:33, Paul instructs husbands to “love their wives as themselves, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.” Mutual respect, love, and understanding are necessary for a healthy relationship.

Couples should make time for each other, be willing to listen to each other’s concerns and work together to strengthen their relationship.

Avoiding Temptation

Avoiding temptation is also necessary to avoid infidelity. We must flee from temptation, guard our hearts and minds, and avoid compromising situations.

In 1 Corinthians 6:18, Paul warns, “Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body.”

We must be vigilant about the company we keep, avoid situations that could lead to temptation, and be honest with ourselves about our weaknesses.

We must also guard our hearts and minds against lustful thoughts and desires, as Jesus said in Matthew 5:28, “But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Bible makes it clear that infidelity is a sin and has serious consequences. As Christians, we must strive to remain faithful to our partners and honor the sanctity of marriage.

We can avoid infidelity by fostering a strong relationship with God, building a strong relationship with our partners, and avoiding temptation. Let us seek God’s help in overcoming infidelity and strive to remain faithful in all of our relationships.

Infidelity is a serious issue that can cause significant harm to individuals and families. However, as Christians, we have hope that we can overcome this sin through our faith in Jesus Christ.

By relying on God’s strength, building healthy relationships with our partners, and avoiding temptation, we can remain faithful and honor God’s design for marriage.

Let us remember that God’s plan for marriage is not just about our happiness but about reflecting His love to the world.

Let us strive to honor God by remaining faithful in our relationships and by seeking His guidance and help to overcome temptation. May we become the kind of people who can be trusted and who are committed to living a life of faithfulness, integrity, and love.

Pastor Duke Taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.