Overcoming Infidelity: Loving Your Spouse and Resisting Temptation

Life is Short, Love Your Spouse: Overcoming Temptations and Lies

Life is too short to waste on lies and deceit. As humans, we are constantly exposed to temptations that can lead us astray from our values and principles. One of the greatest temptations in our society today is infidelity, which is sadly prevalent despite its devastating consequences. The Ashley Madison leak is just one example of how widespread cheating has become in our culture. But as Christians, we are called to live differently. We are called to love our spouses and honor our marriage vows. So how can we overcome the lies of temptation and remain faithful to our spouses?

The Lies of Infidelity

The Ashley Madison Company, a cheating site that is (sadly) very successful, has the following motto: “Life is short. Have an affair.” This is a blatant lie that distorts the truth about the value of marriage and the sanctity of sex. Infidelity is a sin that not only destroys marriages but also damages the individuals involved. It is a lie that promises pleasure but delivers pain. It is a lie that promises freedom but delivers bondage. It is a lie that promises happiness but delivers emptiness.

The lies of infidelity are not new. They have been around since the beginning of time. In the garden of Eden, Satan tempted Eve with the lie that she could be like God if she ate the forbidden fruit. He distorted the truth and promised her something that he could not deliver. Similarly, the lies of infidelity promise us something that they cannot deliver. They promise us pleasure, freedom, and happiness, but in reality, they deliver pain, bondage, and emptiness.

The Truth about Marriage

To overcome the lies of infidelity, we must understand the truth about marriage. Marriage is a sacred covenant between a man and a woman that reflects the relationship between Christ and the church. It is a commitment to love, honor, and cherish one another for better or for worse. It is a commitment that is meant to last a lifetime. As Christians, we are called to love our spouses as Christ loved the church, sacrificially and unconditionally.

The Bible has much to say about marriage. In Genesis 2:24, we read, “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” In Malachi 2:16, we read, “For the man who does not love his wife but divorces her, says the Lord, the God of Israel, covers his garment with violence, says the Lord of hosts. So guard yourselves in your spirit, and do not be faithless.” In Ephesians 5:25, we read, “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” These verses and many others emphasize the importance of marriage and the commitment that it requires.

The Consequences of Infidelity

Infidelity has devastating consequences that can affect not only the individuals involved but also their families and communities. It can lead to divorce, emotional trauma, and financial ruin. It can also lead to a loss of trust and respect in relationships. The consequences of infidelity are not worth the temporary pleasure that it promises. It is important to remember that sin always has consequences, and the consequences of infidelity can be severe.

Strategies to Overcome Temptations

So how can we overcome the temptations of infidelity and remain faithful to our spouses? Here are some strategies that can help:

1. Guard Your Heart and Mind

Proverbs 4:23 says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” We must guard our hearts and minds against the lies of infidelity by filling them with truth. We must meditate on God’s Word and pray for strength and wisdom. We must also avoid situations that could lead us to temptation and surround ourselves with accountability partners who can help us stay on track.

2. Invest in Your Marriage

Investing in your marriage is one of the best ways to prevent infidelity. Spend time with your spouse, communicate openly and honestly, and prioritize your relationship. Make your marriage a priority and seek to strengthen it every day. Remember that marriage is a lifelong commitment, and it requires effort and sacrifice.

3. Seek Help When Needed

If you are struggling with the temptation of infidelity, seek help. Talk to a pastor, counselor, or trusted friend who can offer support and guidance. Don’t try to handle it alone. Remember that we are all vulnerable to temptation, and there is no shame in seeking help.

4. Focus on the Consequences

When faced with temptation, it is important to focus on the consequences of our actions. We must remember that sin always has consequences, and the consequences of infidelity can be severe. We must also remember the impact that our actions can have on our families and communities. Focusing on the consequences can help us resist temptation and make wise choices.

5. Remember God’s Grace

Finally, we must remember God’s grace. We are all sinners in need of God’s mercy and forgiveness. When we fail, we can turn to God and ask for forgiveness. We can also seek to make amends and work to restore broken relationships. God’s grace is available to all who seek it, and it can provide the strength and hope we need to overcome temptation.

The Importance of Loving Your Spouse

Ultimately, the key to overcoming the lies of infidelity is to love your spouse. Love is the foundation of a healthy marriage, and it is the antidote to the lies of infidelity. When we love our spouses, we honor our marriage vows and reflect the love of Christ to the world. Love is not just a feeling, but it is a choice that we must make every day. It requires sacrifice, forgiveness, and commitment. But when we choose to love our spouses, we experience the joy and fulfillment that God intended for marriage.

Conclusion

Life is short, but it is also precious. We must not waste it on the lies of infidelity. Instead, we must choose to love our spouses and honor our marriage vows. We must guard our hearts and minds against the lies of temptation and fill them with truth. We must invest in our marriages, seek help when needed, focus on the consequences, and remember God’s grace. When we love our spouses, we experience the joy and fulfillment that God intended for marriage. So let us love our spouses and honor our commitment to them, for life is short, but love is eternal.