Article August 28, 1995 Issue

When you're faced with adultery—how can the Bible help?

Written for the Sentinel

The Seventh Commandment forbids adultery (see Ex. 20:14). That was an issue I never thought I would have to deal with, yet a few years ago I discovered that my husband was having an affair. After I confronted him, he admitted this had been true, although he had recently ended it. I was shocked and dismayed. I felt deceived, victimized, and deeply hurt. Feelings of self-pity and self-righteousness seemed to overwhelm me.

That night, in a state of emotional turmoil, I went to the Wednesday evening testimony meeting at a Christian Science Church. I felt that if I could just get one helpful idea to lift my thinking, I would be grateful. While I was listening to the readings from the Bible and from Science and Health by Mary Baker Eddy, and to testimonies given by members of the congregation, two ideas penetrated my misery. One was that harmony was the genuine reality, and the other was the need for forgiveness. Those ideas were much more powerful than I could have imagined. I regained control over my thinking and was amazed at the progress that was made over the next few days.

I turned to the Bible for inspiration. In Christ Jesus' parable of the prodigal son (see Luke 15:11—32), the father welcomed his son back home without reservation. He did not waste time being judgmental or feeling offended or betrayed. He openly celebrated the son's return. How could I do less in my circumstance?

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