What does the Bible say about forgiving a cheating spouse?
Asked by: Zena Bailey | Last update: November 18, 2025Score: 4.8/5 (11 votes)
The Scriptures are crystal clear on the question, “Should I forgive him?” The clear answer is that any sin of any size demands forgiveness. As Paul says in his letter to the Ephesians, “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you” (4:32).
Does God want me to forgive my cheating spouse?
If the question is “should you forgive him?”,Scripture is clear that Christians should always be willing to forgive any offense of any magnitude. Ephesians tells us to, “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
How to handle a cheating spouse biblically?
God calls us to choose mercy and forgiveness, not for our spouse's sake, but for God's sake. If the infidelity is a continuous habit of your husband, talk to God about it. Present your case to Him. Let Him be judge between you and your husband.
Does the Bible say adultery can be forgiven?
Absolutely a woman may be forgiven for adultery. All sins can be forgiven except blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. But you have to be willing to change, put your faith in Christ and become a new person. You do not do this on your own.
How can a woman handle a cheating husband?
- Reflect on Your Feelings: Take time to process your emotions.
- Gather Information: If you haven't already, try to confirm the infidelity.
- Communicate: When you feel ready, have an open and honest conversation with your husband.
- Seek Professional Help: Consider couples therapy or individual counseling.
What should a married couple do after a spouse has cheated?
How to deal with a cheating husband spiritually?
- 1 Let yourself feel whatever emotions come up.
- 2 Turn to God for comfort.
- 3 Ask your husband to explain what happened.
- 4 Talk to your husband about why he cheated.
- 5 Don't blame yourself for what happened.
- 6 Talk to someone you trust about how you're feeling.
What to say to hurt a cheater?
Let him know that he hurt you.
Be direct and honest and tell him that you cared about him and what he's done has ruined your relationship. He may really regret his actions. For instance, you could say, “I can't believe you did this. I'm devastated.
What are the three sins God will not forgive?
With this declaration, Alma identified for Corianton the three most abominable sins in the sight of God: (1) denying the Holy Ghost, (2) shedding innocent blood, and (3) committing sexual sin. Adultery was third to murder and the sin against the Holy Ghost as abominable sins.
Does the Bible say adultery is unforgivable?
The Bible teaches that the blood Jesus' shed on the cross covers all sin, including infidelity. “… the blood of Jesus, God's Son, purifies us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). This means that any sin we commit, including infidelity, can be forgiven when we come to Jesus with a repentant heart. Jesus was without sin.
What is God's punishment for adultery?
The basis for punishment of stoning specifically for adultery is clearly provided in Leviticus (20:10-12) which reads: "If a man commits adultery with another man's wife, even with the wife of his neighbour, both the adulterer and adulteress must be put to death...." Further, in Deuteronomy (22:22-24), it is stated ...
Does God want you to stay in an unfaithful marriage?
Adultery is condemned in the Bible. Exodus 20:14 (NIV) says, “You shall not commit adultery.” In Matthew chapter 5 and chapter 19, Jesus says that divorce is permitted when there has been marital unfaithfulness or adultery.
What should a wife do if her husband cheats?
- Don't decide right away. Before choosing to continue or end a marriage, take the time to heal and understand what was behind the affair.
- Be accountable. ...
- Consult a marriage counselor. ...
- Get help from several sources. ...
- Restore trust.
What kind of cheating is forgivable?
Also known as a one-time mistake, the one-night stand is forgivable, so long as it does not become a pattern. A one-night stand involves an individual accidentally or purposefully having sex with someone other than their partner.
How to forgive a cheater biblically?
Other passages emphasize this point, like Ephesians 4:32, which states: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” So, yes–cheating is forgivable, but forgiveness doesn't mean staying in the relationship.
Can a man ever forgive his wife for cheating?
After a betrayal, forgiveness is necessary for your own healing. It's not an easy process, though, and it comes with its own set of challenges. The key challenge when forgiving infidelity is the ongoing consequences of the betrayal.
Is cheating forgivable in the Bible?
The Scriptures are crystal clear on the question, “Should I forgive him?” The clear answer is that any sin of any size demands forgiveness. As Paul says in his letter to the Ephesians, “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you” (4:32).
What is the one sin that is unforgivable?
One eternal or unforgivable sin (blasphemy against the Holy Spirit), also known as the sin unto death, is specified in several passages of the Synoptic Gospels, including Mark 3:28–29, Matthew 12:31–32, and Luke 12:10, as well as other New Testament passages including Hebrews 6:4–6, Hebrews 10:26–31, and 1 John 5:16.
How to ask God for forgiveness for adultery?
I ask You to forgive my adultery, my betrayal, and my failures concerning my marriage. Help me learn and grow spiritually and eventually receive emotional wholeness, as I grow more intimately acquainted with You. Father, help my wife to find the grace and mercy to forgive my infidelity.
What are the only 2 sins that Cannot be forgiven?
And so I tell you, every kind of sin and slander can be forgiven, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come (Matthew 12:31–32).
How many times can God forgive you for the same sin?
If I have to ask forgiveness for the same thing over and over, will I reach a limit at some point? There are two things to remember here: (1) God's mercy is indeed infinite, and (2) true repentance means forsaking your sins.
What is the most serious sin?
Pride, also known as hubris (from Ancient Greek ὕβρις) or futility, is considered the original and worst of the seven deadly sins on almost every list, the most demonic. It is also thought to be the source of the other capital sins. Pride is the opposite of humility.
How to leave a cheating husband you love?
- Keep a Journal. ...
- Create a Safety Plan. ...
- Allow Yourself Time to Grieve. ...
- Surround Yourself With Support. ...
- Find Ways to Reconnect With Your Old Self. ...
- Connect or Reconnect With Your Emotions.
How to tell a cheater it's over?
Keep it short, direct, and to the point.
Once you've told him you know about his cheating, come right out and say that it's over and you want to move on. You could say something like, “We're finished. I'm breaking up with you.” You could also try something like, “I don't deserve this.
How do you forgive your partner who cheated on you?
- Understand your partner's position. ...
- Consider taking a break before making a decision. ...
- Communicate, communicate, communicate. ...
- Consult a family or couple therapist.