Healing and Hope
Healing and Hope
Godly grief produces a repentance not to be regretted. (2 Cor. 7:10)
I’d long admired Rex and Sandy’s marriage. Both in their sixties, they have energy and passion to go on numerous overseas mission trips each year and assist in our church’s youth department. They obviously love each other deeply and enjoy ministering to others side by side.
That’s why I was so surprised to find out that their marriage had faced the storm of infidelity and survived. One night I had the opportunity to hear Rex share his testimony. He humbly told his audience that he had sinned against his wife by having an affair fifteen years earlier. Though he ultimately returned to his wife and the Lord, his family paid a price for his sin.
I asked Sandy how she had been able to reconcile with Rex when unfaithfulness ends so many marriages. She said when Rex demonstrated genuine repentance through his words, actions, counseling, and accountability, she sensed God prompting her to give their marriage another chance.
Infidelity places unimaginable stress on a marriage. The spouse who commits adultery often loses the trust and respect of their mate. The offended marriage partner sometimes loses his or her self-esteem and the desire to stay committed. Some assume the only solution is divorce when the marriage has been so wounded. But some couples do reconcile with God’s help, allowing Him to do a redemptive work in them and in their marriage.
God has mourned the unfaithfulness of His beloved throughout the generations, but He has always shown compassion and mercy to those who will return to Him. Reconciliation is His desire, and love is His motive. If you or someone you know has suffered from a broken trust, seek God’s best. Ask Him to give the grace needed for healing and hope.