Welcome to the September edition of The Singles’ World.

In the last edition, I discussed the emotional and spiritual damage caused by infidelity. In earlier editions, I examined its prevalence and major causes in society today. Sadly, infidelity also affects the Church of God, which should serve as the light of the world.

My concern in this series is to expose this destructive problem. Infidelity is already destroying many Christian homes. Sadly, the wider society continues to influence the Church through globalisation and the media. Yet, Christians do not always recognise the dangers that come with these influences.

We must therefore ask ourselves:  Why should the children of Zion behave like the children of Belial?

The boundary between the Church and the world appears increasingly blurred. As a result, adultery has become a concern even within the Church. Through this series, I hope to expose this troubling reality and offer guidance.

I want singles to understand the dangers of infidelity before marriage. I also want married couples to guard their hearts and homes against adultery and its devastating consequences. Furthermore, I hope to encourage those struggling with infidelity to break free and seek appropriate help.

In this edition, I shall discuss another consequence of infidelity. I pray that the Lord will preserve you and your home from adultery, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Effects of Infidelity

1. Marital Damage

Infidelity can cause serious damage to a marriage. One of its first consequences is often constant suspicion. Once a partner breaks trust, suspicion can take its place.

Even when the unfaithful partner genuinely repents, the betrayed spouse may struggle to trust again. Rebuilding trust often requires time, patience, honesty, and consistent effort.

Some people already struggle with trust because of their upbringing. They may have grown up in families where betrayal, dishonesty, and broken promises were common. Others have experienced betrayal by people they once trusted deeply.

When such individuals later experience infidelity in marriage, rebuilding trust can become even more difficult.

In these marriages, ordinary activities may trigger suspicion. A telephone call, an interaction with someone of the opposite sex, or a journey taken alone may raise concerns. Even innocent social activities can become sources of conflict.

As a result, the home may become tense, unhealthy, and emotionally exhausting. This is one of the painful ways infidelity damages a marriage.

2. Weakening of Marital Intimacy

Infidelity can also seriously damage marital intimacy. The betrayed spouse may struggle to feel emotionally or physically close to the unfaithful partner.

Marriage requires faithfulness and exclusivity. When one partner shares that intimacy with another person, the betrayal can deeply affect the relationship.

The betrayed spouse may no longer desire physical intimacy. Feelings of hurt, anger, and distrust can make closeness difficult. The spouse may also feel uncomfortable sharing a bed with the person who caused the pain.

As a result, the couple may struggle to meet each other’s emotional and sexual needs. They may continue living under the same roof while feeling lonely, frustrated, and disconnected.

This is a painful situation. The marriage bed should represent intimacy, security, and mutual affection. However, infidelity can turn it into a reminder of betrayal and distrust.

3. Communication Breakdown

Infidelity may also destroy open communication between spouses. The betrayed partner may no longer feel safe sharing personal thoughts, plans, or concerns with the unfaithful spouse.

Conversations may become brief, forced, or infrequent. One partner may ignore telephone calls or respond coldly to text messages. The couple may also stop sharing important burdens and problems.

This breakdown can weaken the emotional connection that once encouraged honesty and openness.

Over time, misunderstanding, resentment, and anger may grow. If the couple fails to address these emotions, conflict may escalate into verbal or emotional abuse. In some cases, it may even lead to physical violence.

This is why the Bible says, “Hatred stirreth up strifes” (Proverbs 10:12). Proverbs 29:22 also declares, “An angry man stirreth up strife.”

Betrayal can produce deep anger and resentment. However, couples must not allow these emotions to lead to violence. They should seek appropriate help before the situation worsens or causes further harm.

4. Separation and Divorce

In some cases, infidelity may eventually lead to separation or divorce. Once a marriage reaches this point, the couple may face additional challenges.

These may include disputes over property, finances, child custody, and family responsibilities. In some cases, the involvement of extended family members may further complicate matters.

A relationship that began with joy and solemn promises at the wedding altar may end in bitterness and emotional pain.

The consequences affect more than the couple. Their children may also suffer, and the wider family may experience distress. The Christian community may feel the impact as well.

When a Christian marriage breaks down because of infidelity, it can damage the couple’s testimony. It may also give unbelievers an opportunity to question or ridicule the Christian faith.

This is why prevention is better than trying to repair the damage caused by infidelity. Couples must guard their hearts, maintain healthy boundaries, communicate openly, nurture intimacy, and remain faithful to their marriage covenant.

If you are already struggling with infidelity, do not continue living in secrecy. Acknowledge the problem and repent. End the illicit relationship and seek godly counsel.

You must also take practical steps to rebuild trust and restore your marriage, where restoration is possible. This process may require time, honesty, accountability, and professional counselling.

May this teaching bless you and help free your home from every attack of the enemy, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

By the grace of God, we shall continue this discussion next month. Please remember to send me your comments and testimonies.

If you have not yet given your life to Jesus Christ, please surrender your life to Him today. Tomorrow may be too late.

Until then, God bless you. Amen.

Pastor Jide Ajidahun

The post Singles’ World September’26 Edition appeared first on The Olive Branch.

Welcome to the August edition of The Singles’ World.

In the last edition, I discussed childhood trauma and past sexual exposure as causes of infidelity. This edition explores the consequences of infidelity and the damage it can cause.

Throughout this series, I have shown that infidelity affects society, including the Church of God. Sadly, some Christians behave in ways that contradict the faith they profess. Such behaviour causes unbelievers to question the Christian faith.

As believers and disciples of Jesus Christ, we must live with eternity in view. We must also allow the Bible to guide our conduct because it is our ultimate standard for Christian living.

The Bible clearly forbids adultery. Hebrews 13:4 declares that we must keep the marriage bed undefiled. This command is not merely a suggestion or fatherly advice. It is a divine instruction for believers who desire to honour God and finish their Christian journey faithfully. The Scripture warns, “But whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.”

None of the causes of infidelity discussed in this series excuses adultery before God. Your position, social status, service in God’s vineyard, marital difficulties, or ignorance will not excuse this sin on the Day of Judgment.

Having examined several causes of infidelity, I will now discuss its consequences.

I pray that the Lord will help us keep our marriage beds holy and undefiled until the end. May this edition bless you tremendously, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Effects of Infidelity

1. Emotional Damage

One of the most devastating consequences of infidelity is emotional damage. A betrayed spouse may experience what people often call betrayal trauma. The discovery can destroy the trust that once held the marriage together.

Your spouse may no longer see you as the faithful, trustworthy, and responsible partner she once admired. The confidence she placed in you may be severely shaken or even destroyed.

The marriage vows you both treasured may suddenly seem meaningless. Memories of your wedding day may also become painful reminders of your betrayal.

Your spouse may begin to revisit past suspicions that she once dismissed. She may feel regret, anger, and confusion. She may also ask herself painful questions about what she could have done differently.

Your betrayal may cause deep emotional anguish. Your spouse may struggle with anxiety, insecurity, depression, or emotional withdrawal. Your presence in the home may remind her of the person she once trusted completely.

Even when you make genuine efforts to show love, she may still view your actions with suspicion. This happens because your betrayal has damaged the foundation of trust.

Some betrayed spouses find it extremely difficult to trust their partners again. Healing may take a long time. In some cases, professional counselling and pastoral support can help them process their pain.

Sadly, some people hide their suffering until it becomes overwhelming. They may feel ashamed to speak about the betrayal or fear what others will say.

This is why you must resist infidelity, no matter how attractive the temptation may seem. A moment of pleasure can produce years of pain.

2. Spiritual Damage

Infidelity can also cause serious spiritual damage. One of its first consequences may be guilt. If you are genuinely born again and conscious of God’s holiness, you may experience deep conviction after committing adultery.

Even after you confess your sin and receive God’s forgiveness, you may still struggle with shame and accusations. Revelation 12:10 describes Satan as “the accuser of our brethren.”

However, we must distinguish between godly conviction and condemnation. Godly conviction leads us to repentance and change. Condemnation, on the other hand, seeks to keep us trapped in shame, even after genuine repentance.

Unresolved guilt and shame can exhaust you emotionally and spiritually. They may weaken your fellowship with God and affect your consecration.

Your prayer life may suffer, and Bible study may lose its appeal. You may also begin to miss church meetings and other spiritual activities. Over time, spiritual coldness and backsliding may follow.

The enemy seeks more than a believer’s fall into sexual sin. He also seeks to weaken that believer’s relationship with God and damage their Christian testimony.

Infidelity can therefore bring serious losses to the individual, the family, and the Kingdom of God.

If you are a church leader, the consequences may also affect your ministry. Depending on the circumstances and your church’s policies, you may face suspension or need to step aside from certain responsibilities.

You may also lose the trust of people who once looked to you for spiritual guidance and prayer. Rebuilding that trust can take time and requires genuine repentance, accountability, and consistent conduct.

The consequences can be especially painful within the family. Your children may wonder why you no longer preach, teach, or participate in ministry as you once did.

If they have always regarded you as a spiritual example, your actions may confuse and disappoint them. They may even ask difficult questions such as, “Daddy, Mummy, why did you do it?”

If you taught them to resist temptation, they may also ask, “Why didn’t you resist the temptation?”

These questions can be painful. However, they remind us of the responsibility that comes with Christian leadership and parenthood.

Those who refuse to confess and repent may also continue in destructive patterns. Persistent disobedience to God’s Word can damage a person’s spiritual life, relationships, emotional well-being, and reputation.

We must therefore take sin seriously and seek genuine repentance. We should not dismiss the consequences of deliberate disobedience or assume that our actions will leave our lives untouched.

The consequences of infidelity are numerous. We cannot discuss them all in a single article. Those who have experienced them often understand their severity more deeply than those who have only taught about them.

This is why the Bible declares, “Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice” (1 Samuel 15:22).

How to Guard Against Infidelity

If you are married, guard yourself and your home against every form of infidelity. Do not wait until temptation develops into an affair before establishing boundaries.

Guard your heart, your eyes, your conversations, and your friendships. Be mindful of how you use your devices and protect the marriage covenant you made before God.

If you are single, begin building the character and discipline you will need in marriage. Develop spiritual strength and firm moral convictions now.

Remember that faithfulness in marriage begins with the character you build before marriage.

May the Lord preserve our homes from every form of infidelity and sexual immorality, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

By the grace of God, we shall continue this discussion next month. Please remember to send me your comments and testimonies.

If you have not yet given your life to Jesus Christ, please surrender your life to Him today. Tomorrow may be too late.

Until then, God bless you. Amen.

Pastor Jide Ajidahun

The post Singles’ World August’26 Edition appeared first on The Olive Branch.

Welcome to the July edition of The Singles’ World.

In the last edition, I discussed spiritual weakness as one of the major causes of infidelity. This edition examines another important factor. Although the Bible clearly forbids adultery, infidelity remains common in today’s society. Sadly, both Christians and unbelievers engage in it.

Christians are called to reflect the image of Christ. Yet, many compromise their faith and follow the standards of the world. The lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes have overwhelmed many believers. As a result, some now view purity and holiness as outdated or unrealistic.

Consequently, many Christian marriages are breaking down. Children also suffer when homes become unstable and parents struggle to provide proper guidance. Today, it is becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish some Christian homes from those of unbelievers. Sadly, this gives others reasons to ridicule the Christian faith. Sexual immorality has become a concern both inside and outside the Church.

In this edition, I will discuss another important cause of infidelity. May the Lord grant us understanding and preserve our homes from every form of sexual immorality and impurity, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Childhood Trauma and Past Sexual Exposure

Many marital challenges have deep roots. Childhood experiences often shape how people relate to others, including their future spouses.

Some people grow up in hostile homes. They witness domestic violence, abuse, or constant conflict. Others experience neglect, hunger, poverty, or severe deprivation. Some children also endure street hawking, sexual molestation, or other forms of abuse.

These painful experiences can affect a child’s emotional and psychological development. Their effects may also continue into adulthood.

Some survivors become withdrawn, insecure, or fearful of relationships. Others struggle with trust or develop deep resentment towards men or women. Some may even become afraid of marriage itself.

When these individuals marry, their unresolved pain may create challenges. Their spouses may struggle to understand their fears, reactions, or emotional needs. Without proper support, these difficulties can put pressure on the marriage and increase the risk of unhealthy coping behaviours, including infidelity.

Others may develop unhealthy relationship patterns after experiencing abuse or neglect. Some may struggle with sexual boundaries, promiscuity, or harmful behaviour towards others. Although they may profess faith in Christ, their actions may still reflect unresolved pain and unhealthy patterns from the past. Such struggles require accountability, healing, and a commitment to living according to Christ’s teachings.

The Effects of Premature Sexual Exposure

Another important concern is early exposure to sexual activity. Such experiences can affect a child’s emotional, psychological, and sexual development.

Some children experience sexual abuse from fathers, stepfathers, relatives, neighbours, teachers, or other perpetrators. Others witness sexual activity between adults in their homes. These experiences may awaken sexual curiosity before children have the maturity to understand what they see.

Economic hardship also creates challenges for some families. Parents and children may have to share a room because they cannot afford separate bedrooms. Some parents mistakenly assume that their children are asleep when they engage in intimate activities. In other cases, carelessness, such as leaving bedroom doors unsecured, exposes children to inappropriate scenes.

Parents and caregivers must take these risks seriously. They should protect children from sexual abuse and exposure to sexual activity. Every child deserves a safe environment in which to grow and develop.

Early sexual exposure can leave lasting emotional impressions. Some children may begin engaging in sexual behaviour at a very young age. Easy access to pornography through mobile phones, social media, television, films, and other digital devices can further expose young people to harmful sexual content.

In addition, peer pressure may introduce some young people to alcohol, smoking, drug misuse, or substances they believe will improve sexual performance. Some students also enter cohabiting relationships and engage in sexual activity while still in school or university.

These experiences do not affect everyone in the same way. However, early sexual exposure and unhealthy relationship patterns can create challenges later in life. Some individuals develop unrealistic expectations about sex. Others struggle with emotional intimacy, trust, or sexual fulfilment in marriage.

People who engaged in repeated casual sexual relationships before marriage may also find it difficult to adjust to marital commitment. They may struggle to embrace the exclusivity and responsibility that marriage requires. In some cases, dissatisfaction or unresolved habits may become a source of temptation. Without proper support and self-discipline, this may increase the risk of infidelity.

Psalm 11:3 asks, “If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?”

The foundations of our lives can influence our future relationships. Childhood trauma and early sexual exposure may cause some people to fear intimacy. Others may continually seek sexual experiences or satisfaction that no spouse can realistically provide.

Some individuals may also develop patterns of sexual behaviour that make healthy marital intimacy difficult. Past experiences, emotional wounds, and unrealistic expectations can all contribute to these struggles. However, people can seek help, develop healthier patterns, and work towards meaningful change.

Healing from Past Experiences

Women who have experienced severe sexual trauma may struggle with intimacy in marriage. Without appropriate support, some may find it difficult to express affection or feel safe during sexual intimacy. Their struggles should not invite blame or condemnation. Instead, they need understanding, patience, and access to appropriate care.

Similarly, men who engaged in sexual promiscuity before becoming Christians may struggle to adjust to a faithful, monogamous relationship. If they do not address their past habits, those patterns may continue to affect their marriages. Women with similar histories may face comparable challenges.

Couples should therefore approach courtship with honesty, openness, and emotional maturity. They should discuss significant past experiences when appropriate and seek help for unresolved issues before marriage. Genuine repentance, spiritual growth, and emotional healing can help people move beyond destructive patterns.

Where necessary, couples should seek support from qualified Christian counsellors, pastors, therapists, or medical professionals. Some situations require professional counselling, specialised therapy, or medical care alongside prayer and biblical guidance.

Those who carry the wounds of childhood trauma or struggle with infidelity should not suffer in silence. They should seek appropriate help and remain willing to confront harmful patterns. Pastors can provide spiritual guidance, while qualified professionals can help address emotional and psychological needs.

Above all, genuine salvation, a consistent prayer life, and obedience to God’s Word remain essential to the Christian life. With God’s grace, personal accountability, and appropriate support, people can work towards healthier relationships and greater faithfulness in marriage.

Key Lessons

1. Every marriage requires intentional protection. Couples must guard their relationship and remain faithful to their marriage covenant.

2. Childhood trauma can affect marital relationships. Unresolved pain may influence trust, intimacy, and behaviour in adulthood.

3. Healing is possible through Christ and appropriate support. Prayer, spiritual growth, counselling, and professional care can help people address past wounds.

4. Openness and accountability strengthen marriage. Honest communication and responsible choices help couples build trust.

5. God can restore what the enemy has sought to destroy. With faith, commitment, and appropriate support, couples can work towards healing and restoration.

It is my prayer that everyone battling the effects of childhood trauma or past sexual experiences will receive healing, restoration, and complete deliverance through the power of Jesus Christ.

May the Lord preserve our homes and help every husband and wife remain holy, faithful, and steadfast in their marriage covenant, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

By the grace of God, we will continue this discussion next month. Please remember to send me your comments and testimonies.

If you have not given your life to Jesus Christ, I encourage you to surrender your life to Him today. Do not delay this important decision.

Until then, God bless you. Amen.

Pastor Jide Ajidahun

The post Singles’ World July’26 Edition appeared first on The Olive Branch.

The causes of infidelity in Christian marriage are complex and may include unmet emotional needs, a lack of marital intimacy, poor communication, and a failure to uphold biblical principles. Understanding these causes is an important step towards protecting the marriage covenant and building a stronger relationship founded on love, faithfulness, and mutual understanding.

I welcome you to the February edition of Singles’ World for the year 2026. In the last edition of Singles’ World, I discussed digital infidelity as another form of adultery. In an earlier edition, I addressed physical contact as a form of adultery. From a biblical perspective, adultery can be physical or psychological, and neither is less grievous than the other. I previously noted that adultery remains one of the most prevalent vices plaguing marriages today. Sadly, the Christian family—which ought to serve as a model—is not exempt.

Many homes have broken down irreparably because of adultery. DNA tests continue to reveal alarming cases of infidelity, with devastating consequences. There are heartbreaking reports of men discovering, through paternity tests, that they have unknowingly raised children who are not biologically theirs. Yet Scripture is clear: the marriage bed must be honoured. The Bible commands, “Thou shalt not commit adultery.” Even some who preach and teach the Word are guilty of this sin.

In this edition, my focus is to examine one of the causes of adultery, with a view to proposing practical and biblical solutions.

Lack of Intimacy

One common cause of infidelity is the lack or denial of sexual intimacy within marriage. It is not uncommon today to hear husbands complain that their wives deprive them of intimacy. In some cases, sex is made conditional or used as a tool of manipulation. When a spouse feels persistently starved of intimacy, he or she may become more vulnerable to temptation, especially when personal boundaries are not carefully maintained.

Some women develop unhealthy attitudes towards sex due to upbringing or certain doctrinal teachings that portray sexual desire itself as sinful. There is often a failure to distinguish between fornication—sexual relations outside marriage—and sexual intimacy within lawful marriage, which Scripture permits and honours (1 Corinthians 7:2). Traumatic experiences, such as sexual abuse, may also affect a woman’s perception of intimacy. Others may see sex purely as a means of procreation or as an unpleasant obligation rather than a mutual expression of love.

There are also practical factors: demanding careers, ministry commitments, prolonged travel, health challenges, or sexual dysfunction may all affect intimacy in marriage. In some situations, one spouse may feel overwhelmed by the other’s sexual expectations. The list of contributing factors is extensive.

Similarly, there are husbands who deny their wives intimacy, sometimes as a form of punishment, emotional withdrawal, or under the guise of excessive spiritual activities such as prolonged fasting or itinerant ministry without consideration for their spouse. Though this may be less frequently discussed, it equally exposes the other partner to temptation.

While these reasons are often cited, it must be clearly stated that from a biblical standpoint, there is no justification for adultery. Sexual deprivation may be challenging, but it does not excuse unfaithfulness. The rising divorce rate in society, often fuelled by infidelity, affects Christian homes as well. Hebrews 13:4 reminds us, “Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.” Romans 13:9 equally commands, “Thou shalt not commit adultery.”

Conclusion

Christian couples must not deny one another their conjugal rights for trivial reasons. First Corinthians 7:3–5 is explicit on this matter. Verse 5 states, “Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time…”

There may be legitimate reasons for temporary abstinence—such as fasting, prayer, health issues, or unavoidable separation due to work or travel. However, such periods must be mutual, temporary, and handled with self-control and wisdom. Permanent or prolonged denial creates unnecessary vulnerability to temptation.

Sex within lawful marriage is one of God’s gifts and blessings. It should never be used as a weapon, bargaining tool, or instrument of control. It ought to be expressed voluntarily, lovingly, and with mutual understanding. A wife should not make intimacy conditional, nor should a husband demand it without sensitivity to his wife’s health and well-being. Both partners must approach intimacy with maturity, communication, and respect, avoiding worldly distortions of sexuality. Although sexual needs vary from person to person, wisdom, empathy, and honest communication can help couples manage differences constructively.

Adultery is avoidable in a Christian home. If you have fallen into it, genuine repentance brings mercy. If you have been denying your spouse intimacy, you must reconsider your actions and seek restoration. Where there are persistent difficulties, wise pastoral counselling may be helpful, provided it is handled with discretion and trust.

To singles: prepare yourself not only spiritually and financially for marriage, but also emotionally and relationally. Sexual compatibility, mutual understanding, and a healthy view of intimacy are important considerations. Marriage should not be entered carelessly, for adultery remains an abomination before God.

May the Lord strengthen and preserve our homes, in the name of Jesus Christ.

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 February ’26 Edition appeared first on The Olive Branch.