What are the reasons for adultery? Frequently
it is an escape from the challenges of home life; pleasure without the
accompanying worries. It may be a targeted seduction, or simple adventurism.
Sexual
fulfillment and release always produces a sense of pleasure. But moments of
pleasure may lead to a lifetime of distress, for ourselves and others.
Friction
which results from infidelity is obvious. Betrayal, anger and loss of trust by
the wife of a philanderer is alone sufficient to cause tension. The variety of
attitudes by the husband, from outright denial or excuses to utter remorse and
self-reproach can only add to the conflict.
Further,
the affair might still drag on after discovery and even if it doesn’t, the
wife’s loss can trigger a long period of mourning countered by the impatience
of the husband. Often there is no reconciliation and the marriage breaks up, or
it continues in an uneasy co-existence with the wife using guilt to hold the
husband hostage.
Infidelity
creates a near death experience for marriage, so it is remarkable that many
marriages survive and become meaningful for both partners again. Most of
David’s life is a remarkable record of his source of survival; we find that he
never lost his confidence in God, and his psalms are a legacy to us of his
victories in times of difficulty.
We may have to face
the consequences of our sin, but God’s grace toward us and the forgiveness we
receive can bring both comfort and strength to continue.
