I warmly welcome you to the November 2025 edition of Singles’ World. In the last edition, we examined Omugwo as a cultural and traditional practice which, sadly, has become a source of conflict in many homes today. I sincerely hope that the series was impactful. I pray that the Holy Spirit will guide you when you arrive at that stage in your marriage.

In this edition, I want to discuss infidelity in Christian marriage. My prayer is that the Lord will use this message to guide our families and restore those who have already become victims of infidelity, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Introduction

Infidelity is one of the leading causes of divorce and marital breakdown in society today, including Christian homes. Many believers assume—though wrongly—that marriage is a cure for adultery because 1 Corinthians 7:2 says, “Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.”
However, marriage in itself does not automatically end adultery; at best, it regulates and disciplines our sexual lives. Sadly, in these end times, the enemy is relentlessly attacking marriages. Many homes have been destroyed by sexual immorality. Adultery thrives today not because the Word of God lacks the power to deliver but because many people ignore the foundational principles of godly relationships.

Jesus Himself acknowledged that marriage does not eliminate the possibility of infidelity. Being married does not insulate anyone from temptation. Even when you are not seeking immorality, some people may be seeking you. That is why Jesus made sexual immorality the sole legitimate ground for divorce. In Matthew 19:9, He declared: “And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery…”

Hebrews 13:4 further warns, “Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.”
This shows that even within marriage, the marriage bed can be defiled. Therefore, marriage is not automatically a safeguard against adultery; rather, it places upon us a divine obligation to keep the bed undefiled.

From the Old Testament to the New Testament, God’s stance against adultery has remained consistent. In Exodus 20:14, Scripture commands, “Thou shalt not commit adultery.” Proverbs 6:32 adds: “Whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding…” And in Galatians 5:19, adultery is listed among the works of the flesh. The message is clear: God forbids adultery at all times.

The Prevalence of Infidelity in Society

The rate at which infidelity is spreading today is alarming. It cuts across all social groups—the poor and the rich, the educated and the uneducated, and the religious and the unreligious. Born-again Christians fall into it, as do unbelievers. Ministers of God, who ought to be gatekeepers and watchmen over the flock, are not exempt. Leaders and followers alike are involved. Some married academics engage in sexual immorality with students or colleagues. Public office holders, law enforcement agents, politicians, and many others do the same. Unfortunately, adultery has almost become normalized.

The rise in DNA testing has also exposed paternity fraud cases. Many men have discovered—often too late—that the children they have loved, raised, and sponsored for years were not biologically theirs. Some have died from the shock and trauma of such revelations. Likewise, some husbands openly or secretly engage in adultery. The truth is that both sexes are deeply involved.

Infidelity remains one of the most destructive threats to Christian marriage today. Though modern society and some indigenous cultures may tolerate permissiveness, casual sex, polygamy, and infidelity, these acts destroy Christian testimony and bring reproach to the name of the Lord. Romans 2:24 warns that it is because of such sins that “the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles.”

Marriage is a covenant. When you break that covenant through illicit sexual relationships, you commit infidelity. The consequences are devastating, and infidelity is a grievous sin before the Lord.

Types of Adultery

Infidelity is more than physical sexual intercourse with someone other than one’s spouse. It manifests in several forms, including the following:

1. Physical Adultery

This refers to direct sexual involvement with someone other than one’s spouse (Exodus 20:14). When a married person engages in sexual relations outside marriage, adultery has been committed. Jesus further stressed that anyone who divorces a spouse for reasons other than immorality and marries commits adultery, and whoever marries the divorced person also commits adultery (Matthew 19:9).

This form of infidelity is rampant today. As Christians, we must cultivate self-control and remain content with the spouse God has given us.

By the grace of God, we will continue from here next month. Please do not forget to send me your comments and testimonies. If you are not born again, please surrender your life to Jesus Christ today. Tomorrow may be too late. Until then, God bless you. Amen.

Pastor Jide Ajidahun

The post Singles’ World November ’25 Edition appeared first on The Olive Branch.

I warmly welcome you to the October 2025 edition of Singles’ World. In the last edition, we examined Omugwo—a cultural and traditional practice that has, sadly, become a source of conflict in many homes. I discussed the major controversies surrounding the difficulty many couples face in deciding which of the two mothers-in-law should perform this practice.

In this edition, I wish to suggest possible interventions and practical ways to resolve such controversies. My prayer is that the Lord will use this piece to restore peace, harmony, and joy to your home in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Resolving the Controversy

As noble as this cultural practice is, if not properly managed, it can degenerate into a prolonged family feud and even breed deep-seated animosity. Therefore, it is essential for couples to discuss and agree on a plan that works best for both families.

1. Seek God’s Guidance Through Prayer

Since we are dealing with Christian homes, the first step is for the couple to pray together about it. They should jointly seek the face of God on who should come for Omugwo between the two mothers-in-law. The Holy Spirit, our Teacher and Guide, will reveal the right path.

Without the Holy Spirit, it becomes almost impossible to navigate the storms and rivers of life. Sometimes, the Holy Spirit may even instruct the couple not to invite either of the mothers-in-law. Whatever the divine direction, the couple must be sincere and united in knowing and obeying God’s will—without prejudice or deceit—especially when God’s choice may not please either or both parties.

The ability to discern the will of God depends on the couple’s spiritual maturity. When carnality and the flesh dominate, it becomes difficult to follow divine guidance. If either of the partners is not born again, it poses an even greater challenge, as the power and necessity of prayer may not be appreciated. Remember, a praying family is a winning family.

2. Alternate the Visits

Another option is to alternate Omugwo visits between the two mothers-in-law. This can serve as a fair middle ground for both families. However, the couple must ensure that they maintain a peaceful relationship with both mothers. If they strongly prefer one mother-in-law over the other, this arrangement may not work, as envy and resentment can easily arise.

For instance, how do you convince a husband’s mother to stay away when the wife’s mother comes repeatedly, or vice versa? Yet, if the couple’s relationship with both mothers is cordial and free from tension, alternating visits remains a practical and peaceful solution.

3. Communicate Openly and Honestly

The couple must engage in open communication—freely expressing their feelings, expectations, and genuine concerns. Such honest dialogue, conducted in love and without bias, will guide them to the right decision.

If it is known that one of the mothers-in-law is demonically possessed or spiritually or emotionally unstable, this must be discussed openly between the couple. Under no circumstance should one partner betray the other by revealing to the in-law the reason for her exclusion. The matter should remain confidential between the husband and wife. With godly wisdom, the couple should jointly prevent any troublesome or spiritually dangerous in-law from coming to perform Omugwo.

4. Seek Godly Counsel

 Finally, the couple may seek the guidance of a mature, Spirit-filled pastor or counsellor who is experienced in handling sensitive marital issues.

Conclusion

Flexibility, understanding, spirituality, and open communication are key factors in resolving Omugwo-related conflicts. May the blessings of God in your home never become a source of conflict, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

By the grace of God, we will continue from here next month. Please do not forget to send me your comments and testimonies. If you are not born again, please surrender your life to Jesus Christ today. Tomorrow may be too late. Until then, God bless you. Amen.

Pastor Jide Ajidahun

The post Singles’ World October ’25 appeared first on The Olive Branch.

I am delighted to welcome you to the August 2025 edition of Singles’ World. In the previous edition, I turned our attention to the practice of Omugwo; a very beautiful cultural and traditional institution which, sadly, has become a source of conflict in many families. I discussed the meaning of Omugwo and its many benefits, as well as one of the major controversies surrounding it: who should perform the Omugwo; the wife’s mother or the husband’s mother?

It is important to reflect on this tradition and the disputes that often arise around it, so that what is intended to be a blessing to families does not turn into a source of pain or tragedy. My concern here is for Christian families in particular, so that we do not give room for the devil to sow discord and destroy our homes.

The Controversy

One of the most troubling situations occurs when the husband’s mother had strongly opposed his marriage to his wife right from the beginning. Her opposition may have been vocal and obvious, yet the son insisted on marrying the woman he loved. Now, when the marriage produces a child, the same mother insists on performing the Omugwo. While the son does not object, his wife does, and with good reason. How can she comfortably welcome a mother-in-law who once rejected her and fought against her marriage? Unless there is evidence of genuine repentance and reconciliation, such an involvement may be motivated by bitterness or hidden resentment, and this creates the potential for strife.

On the other hand, if the son decides to oppose his mother’s wish and stops her from coming, the mother may quickly assume that her daughter-in-law influenced the decision. She may then direct her hostility towards the wife. If the son boldly owns up to being the one behind the decision, both he and his wife may face open hostility and possibly even prolonged battles with the mother-in-law. Where the mother’s attitude is vindictive or malevolent, the situation could escalate into spiritual warfare.

If, in an attempt to avoid such conflicts, the couple chooses to invite the wife’s mother instead, the husband’s mother may interpret it as a deliberate attempt to rob her of her rights and privileges. She may then turn against both the wife and her mother, concluding that her daughter-in-law has conspired to deny her the honour she believes she deserves. In African societies, the mother-in-law phenomenon has grown so intense that it often takes on cult-like dimensions, leaving couples in fear of backlash and deep-seated conflicts.

Another scenario arises when a husband simply dislikes his wife’s mother for no clear reason, and insists that only his own mother must perform the Omugwo. In this case, the husband’s mother enjoys all the benefits of the tradition, while the wife’s mother is permanently sidelined. This can cause deep pain and bitterness for the wife, especially when her mother has made huge sacrifices for her.

The problem becomes even more serious where the wife happens to be the breadwinner or where she, along with her mother, had financially supported the husband, perhaps even sponsoring his journey abroad. In such situations, it is only natural for the wife to feel deeply offended when her mother is disregarded. She may begin to feel oppressed, marginalized, and silenced by her husband’s patriarchal insistence on favouring only his own mother.

This tension often spills over into the relationship between the wife and her mother-in-law. The wife may become reluctant to release money for her upkeep or unwilling to allow her full access to the baby. She may engage in subtle resistance, withholding affection or cooperation as her own way of protesting the injustice against her mother. The longer the mother-in-law stays, the more strained and toxic the atmosphere becomes.

If the mother-in-law eventually returns home, she may tell stories about her unpleasant experience in her son’s household. And more often than not, her story will be exaggerated and retold in a way that paints her daughter-in-law as wicked, disrespectful, and unfit to live with her son. Such narratives quickly spread in family and community circles, drawing sympathy for the mother-in-law and hostility against the wife. Some may even begin to pressure the son to divorce his wife, thereby deepening the rift.

This type of situation may discourage the couple from visiting their home country for a long time, knowing that the mother-in-law and her allies will be waiting to fight back. The atmosphere becomes precarious and unstable. If the family is not prayerful, careful and spiritually discerning, the marriage could suffer devastating consequences from emotional breakdowns to relentless spiritual attacks.

Conclusion

The Omugwo tradition is a wonderful and helpful cultural practice that, when properly managed, strengthens family ties and provides crucial support for new mothers. But when handled without wisdom, it can quickly turn into a weapon of division and destruction in the hands of the enemy.

As Christian families, we must approach Omugwo not merely with human wisdom, which is often earthly and short-sighted, but with the wisdom of God that is pure, peaceable, and full of mercy. Only divine wisdom can enable couples to navigate these complex family dynamics with grace, patience and love.

May the Lord keep your home, grant you peace, and give you the divine wisdom to manage the Omugwo practice in a way that honours Him and preserves the unity of your marriage, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

By the grace of God, we will continue from here next month. Please do not forget to send me your comments and testimonies. If you are not born again, please surrender your life to Jesus Christ today. Tomorrow may be too late. Until then, God bless you. Amen.

Pastor Jide Ajidahun

The post Singles’ World August ’25 appeared first on The Olive Branch.