Affairs can happen in any relationship, even to couples who seem to have it all together. Safeguard your marriage from some of the lies that lead to cheating.
Talking Points:
- First, they probably lack a fear of God. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Fearing God will often keep you from making bad choices. Proverbs 9:10
- Second, they assume someone else will make them happy. The problem is that a spouse does not make us happy and fulfilled; this is between each of us and God.
- Third, they compare their spouse’s worst with someone else’s best. They don’t see the other person’s faults and failures, just the idealized version they want to see.
- Fourth, they don’t cut off “innocent” friendships. The more they entertain the thought of being with this other person, the more connected they feel to them, and the more likely they are to do something about it. Hebrews 13:4
- Fifth, they don’t have accountability. Many affairs could be prevented by early detection via godly accountability. Christian friends, mentors, and others who you invite to keep you accountable can detect when something is up, and they can help you make the tough choices you need to make to preserve your marriage and yourself. Galatians 6:1-5, James 5:16
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- Do you know someone who’s had an affair? What were the consequences for those choices?
- Read Proverbs 9:10. What do you think it means to fear the Lord? How can fearing God give us the wisdom to make right choices in our marriages?
- Do you think it’s true that people who have affairs are seeking happiness in the wrong place? Explain.
- How can unhappy people address the real sources of their unhappiness so they don’t drag them into their marriages?
- How can we combat the tendency to compare our spouses’ worst with others’ best? Give some examples.
- Read Hebrews 13:4. What are some ways people fail to cut off “innocent” friendships? What are some indicators that a person is crossing the line with someone emotionally?
- Read Galatians 6:1-5 and James 5:16. How can accountability protect us from cheating? Who are some people in your life that can help keep you and your spouse accountable and faithful to your marriage?
- What are some things you can do in your marriage to not only protect it from affairs but to truly thrive as a couple?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
