Do I have to confess my adultery to my spouse?

Response

Whether to confess the sin of adultery to one’s spouse is a dilemma for many Christians who have experienced this unfortunate sin. Worldly “experts” often advise adulterers to remain silent about their infidelities, claiming that confessing will cause even greater harm. However, this approach suppresses one’s conscience and hinders the restoration of relationships that confession is meant to bring about. James 5:16 instructs, “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.”

The apostle Paul wisely declared, “So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man” “And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.”, (Acts 24:16). While adultery is primarily a sin against God, the Bible also teaches that our bodies belong not only to ourselves but also to our spouses “The wife does not have power over her own body, but the husband does. And likewise, the husband does not have power over his own body, but the wife does.”, (1 Corinthians 7:4). The physical union in marriage symbolizes the oneness of a married couple when joined by God (1 Corinthians 6:15-16). Therefore, a person who has committed adultery should pray and allow the Holy Spirit to guide them, confessing the infidelity at the appropriate time.

A guilty conscience cannot be ignored and may result in psychological and even physical issues. As challenging as it may be, confessing infidelity to one’s spouse is crucial for healing and restoration.

Faithful, it is essential not only for the integrity of the marriage but also for the relationship between the individual and God, so that their conscience may remain clear, enabling them to live a holy and blameless life.