Infidelity in Christian Marriage (Part 6)
Welcome to the April edition of Singles’ World. In the last edition, I discussed spiritual weakness or broken fellowship with God as one of the causes of adultery and also proposed biblical solutions to it.
As stated at the beginning of this series, this study has become necessary in view of the prevalence of adultery and divorce in society today, including within Christian families, which ought to serve as examples to the world. Unfortunately, many Christian homes are also struggling with infidelity and divorce, making it more difficult for unbelievers to come to faith in Jesus Christ.
Christians are expected to be true disciples of Jesus Christ, living according to His teachings. Although believers are not immune to life’s challenges, adultery—being a work of the flesh—should not be found in Christian homes.
In this edition, I wish to discuss another cause of adultery. It is my prayer that the Lord will grant us receptive hearts to receive the engrafted Word of God, which is able to save our souls, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Opportunity and Weak Boundaries
Second Corinthians 2:11 warns us “Lest Satan should take advantage of us, for we are not ignorant of his devices.” The devil often exploits the ignorance of believers by taking advantage of every opportunity they create. He is described as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour—an opportunist who thrives on open doors. If we do not give him room, he cannot gain access to our lives or homes. This is why Scripture admonishes us in Ephesians 4:27 to give no place to the devil.
One common avenue the enemy exploits is travel. When individuals are away from their familiar environment and accountability structures, they may become more vulnerable. During such trips, one may reconnect with an old friend, classmate, or former romantic partner. What begins as harmless interaction—hugs, pecks, or warm greetings—can quickly escalate into inappropriate intimacy and eventually immorality. Even official trips with a colleague of the opposite sex can become a trap if proper boundaries are not maintained. Christian couples must therefore exercise great caution in their interactions during travel—whether in transit, at their place of lodging, or in casual engagements.
Another area of concern is excessive office familiarity. Some workplace relationships become inappropriately close. For example:
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Secretaries becoming overly familiar with their employers
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Married colleagues engaging in flirtatious behaviour
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Casual physical contact such as hugging or kissing under the guise of “harmless fun”
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Terms like “office wife” or “office husband” used jokingly
Such behaviour gradually erodes boundaries. What appears harmless can develop into emotional entanglement and, ultimately, adultery. While cordial workplace relationships are not wrong, closeness with the opposite sex—especially involving married individuals—must be clearly defined and carefully moderated to avoid becoming a snare.
Private lunches also present another subtle opportunity. When married colleagues frequently share meals alone—whether in the office or outside—it can foster emotional bonding. Over time, this bond may weaken moral resistance and create a pathway for temptation. One must ask honestly: Why cultivate such closeness with another person’s spouse?
Another sensitive area is mentorship that turns into emotional involvement. This may occur:
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Between a male supervisor and a married female subordinate
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Between a married pastor and a church member, particularly a woman facing marital challenges or a widow seeking guidance
