“My son-in-law has committed adultery and my daughter is devastated”

Q: My son-in-law has committed adultery and my daughter is devastated, but out of concern for his soul she does not want to leave him. I am upset about this because he is making a fool of her. Does God require this of the innocent? – W.M.

A: When a spouse is unfaithful in marriage there is great responsibility before the Lord, even for the one who has been wronged. The first thing to recognize is that a sinner’s soul is at stake. The welfare of a soul is what Jesus Christ died for on the cross. It may be that God will use a wife or husband to win their spouse to the Lord and restore the relationship.

The Bible says, “If a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness” (Galatians 6:1).

Scripture documents many accounts of the weary-hearted and declares: “But they did not ask counsel of the Lord” (Joshua 9:14). We all have the right to pray and ask the Lord for wisdom and discernment in making all of our decisions. Often the Lord puts someone in our pathway that we can trust to share our burdens, but ultimately we must hold to God’s promise that He will never leave us or forsake those who belong to Him (Hebrews 13:5). We must seek Him first for He is the most wonderful Counselor and the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).

Marriage is a contract, not only between a man and a woman, but also with God Himself. But God is just. All those who sin against God will pay a severe penalty unless they repent. This is so important – we must pray for those who wrong us and cling to the Word of God, “You are great in counsel and mighty in work” (Jeremiah 32:19), and the Lord blesses those who pray for lost souls.

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)

©2021 Billy Graham Literary Trust. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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