5. Adultery Has Serious Consequences for Our Witness
* A Bad Example to Others:
As Christians, we are called to be salt and light in the world (Matthew 5:13-16). Our behavior, including in relationships, reflects our faith to those around us. Engaging in adulterous conduct damages our witness and can cause others to question the integrity of the Christian faith.
* Influencing Future Generations: Adultery can set a harmful example for children and young people, teaching them that faithfulness and commitment are not important. By being faithful in our marriages, we teach younger generations the value of integrity, trust, and love in relationships.
6. The Call to Repentance and Restoration
* God Offers Forgiveness:
While the consequences of adultery are severe, the Christian faith also offers hope. If a person commits adultery, they can find forgiveness and restoration through repentance and God’s grace. 1 John 1:9 assures believers that if we confess our sins, God is faithful to forgive us and purify us from all unrighteousness. Repentance involves turning away from sin and seeking reconciliation with both God and others.
* Restoring Relationships:
Through repentance, a person who has been unfaithful can work toward restoring their marriage and relationship with God. It may involve counseling, accountability, and hard work, but healing is possible when both partners are committed to rebuilding trust and faithfulness. Ephesians 4:32 calls us as Christians to be kind, compassionate, and forgiving, just as Christ forgave us.
7. Pursuit of Holiness and Purity
* The Example of Christ:
As followers of Christ, we are called to imitate Him in all areas of life, including in our relationships. Jesus lived a life of purity, and He calls us to do the same. Adultery, therefore, stands in opposition to the life of holiness and integrity that Christians are called to lead.
* Self-Control and Discipline:
Christians are also called to exercise self-control and to avoid the temptations that lead to adultery. The Apostle Paul speaks of fleeing from sexual immorality (1 Corinthians 6:18) and encourages believers to be disciplined in their thoughts and actions (1 Timothy 4:7). By cultivating purity, we honour God with our bodies and our relationships.

The primary reason that we as Christians should avoid adulterous conduct is that it goes against God’s commands and His design for relationships. Marriage is meant to reflect God’s faithfulness to His people, and adultery is a betrayal of that divine analogy. As Christians we are called to live with integrity, love, and respect for others, upholding the sanctity of marriage and striving for purity in both our actions and hearts. Avoiding adultery is an expression of our love for God, our spouses, and the world around us, as we seek to live in a way that honours Christ and reflects His holiness.

Erick Bouwmeester
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