Is Cheating Forgivable? How to Navigate Unfaithfulness in a RelationshipSample
Restoration
Psalm 34:18
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
With God, anything is possible… even restoration after infidelity. However, restoration is not required. Unfaithfulness is taken very seriously in the Bible, so much so that it’s one of the few circumstances where divorce is seen as permissible.
What this tells us is that we have the freedom to decide whether or not we want to restore something broken by sexual sin. Should we choose to tread the path of restoration, it’s not a journey we walk alone. God stands beside us, offering His strength, wisdom, and comfort to mend what has been broken, guiding both hearts toward reconciliation and healing.
However, choosing not to restore a relationship affected by sexual sin is also a path recognized and respected by scripture. It highlights our freedom to decide what is best for our spiritual and emotional health. In cases where the breach of trust feels insurmountable, God's presence remains unwavering. He doesn't abandon us at the crossroads of such difficult decisions. Instead, He surrounds us with His grace, ready to support us through the process of healing and moving forward.
Whether we seek to rebuild the brokenness or find peace in letting go, God’s love and guidance are constant. He is committed to helping us heal, grow, and eventually find joy and fulfillment beyond the shadows of past hurts. In both decisions, God’s promise of restoration shines through — not just in relationships but within ourselves, as we rediscover hope and strength in His unfailing love.
If you’ve been cheated on, turn to God for comfort by praying and meditating on scriptures like Psalm 34:18 to remind you of His nearness during your most vulnerable moments. Additionally, focus on personal healing by taking time for yourself, carefully considering reconciliation, seeking God's guidance, and observing genuine repentance and a willingness to change from your partner.
If you’ve cheated on someone, start by acknowledging your wrongdoing before God and the person you hurt, as seeking forgiveness is a crucial step in healing. Demonstrate true repentance by committing to change your behavior and support your partner's healing journey, understanding that it may require time, possibly through counseling together or giving them space, depending on what they find most helpful.
In both scenarios, restoration is an act of grace — whether it leads to the mending of a relationship or healing on a personal level. Remember, amidst the heartbreak and confusion, God’s promises stand firm. He is near to the brokenhearted, and with Him, there is always hope for renewal and growth beyond the pain.
Scripture
About this Plan
If you or your partner has been unfaithful, you’re probably wondering, “Is cheating forgivable?” Navigating unfaithfulness in a relationship isn’t easy, especially depending on the circumstances of the infidelity and the individuals involved. In this 5-day devotional, we share how to navigate unfaithfulness in a relationship with forgiveness, restoration, and reconciliation.
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