Forgiveness

Matthew 6:14-15

“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”

In the Bible, forgiveness is an act of grace and mercy God extends to us. As Christians, we are called to extend the same grace and mercy to others, including those who have hurt us. If you’ve been on the receiving end of infidelity, it’s important to forgive the person, regardless of whether you want to continue being in a relationship with them.

The Bible calls us to forgiveness when, in Matthew 6:14-15, Jesus says, “‘For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.’”

However, forgiving someone, especially in cases of deep hurt like infidelity, is no small feat. It's a process that requires time, prayer, and, often, the support of close friends or a counselor. Importantly, forgiveness does not mean ignoring or condoning what happened. Nor does it obligate you to remain in a harmful or broken relationship.

Here's what forgiveness does mean:

• Releasing Resentment: Holding onto bitterness only harms you. Forgiving means letting go of this burden for your well-being.
• Reflecting God's Love: By forgiving, we echo the grace and mercy God shows us every day.
• Opening the Door to Healing: Forgiveness is the first step toward emotional and spiritual healing, even if the relationship doesn't continue. You simply can’t heal if you don’t forgive.

So, yes — cheating is forgivable, but forgiveness doesn’t mean staying in the relationship. That’s a different question.

If you’re the one who cheated, you can and should seek forgiveness. Remember, though, forgiveness from others isn't guaranteed or immediate. What is guaranteed is God's forgiveness when you come to Him with a repentant heart. His unconditional forgiveness can be the foundation upon which you start to rebuild trust and make amends, whether or not the relationship is restored.

Forgiveness is complex and deeply personal, but it's also freeing. It's a gift from God that we're invited to accept for ourselves and extend to others, paving the way for healing and peace in our hearts and relationships.