25/08/2026
SERMON: WHAT CAN MAKE YOUR HUSBAND OR WIFE TO CHEAT AS A CHRISTIAN?
Main Text: Proverbs 5:15–20; 1 Corinthians 7:2–5
Supporting Texts: Exodus 20:14; Matthew 5:27–28; Hebrews 13:4; Ephesians 4:25–27
Introduction
Marriage is a beautiful institution established by God. From the beginning, God designed marriage to be a relationship of faithfulness, love, companionship, and commitment.
Yet one of the painful problems many marriages face is unfaithfulness.
When a husband or wife cheats, it can bring deep hurt, broken trust, anger, and sometimes the destruction of the home.
But what can make a husband or wife become unfaithful?
We must be careful here: nothing makes cheating inevitable. Cheating is ultimately a sinful choice. Difficulties in marriage may create temptation or vulnerability, but they do not excuse adultery.
Today, let us examine some things that can create an environment where unfaithfulness becomes more tempting—and how Christians can guard their marriages.
1. NEGLECTING THE MARRIAGE
When husband and wife continually neglect one another, emotional distance can develop.
Some couples live in the same house but have stopped communicating. They no longer ask, “How are you doing?” They no longer spend meaningful time together.
The Bible says:
«“Let marriage be held in honor among all.” — Hebrews 13:4»
Marriage requires attention.
Illustration:
A plant that is never watered will eventually become weak. In the same way, a marriage that receives no care can become vulnerable.
This does not mean neglect causes someone to cheat. Rather, neglect can create loneliness and distance that need to be addressed before they become bigger problems.
What should we do?
- Spend quality time together.
- Communicate honestly.
- Listen to each other.
- Show appreciation.
- Pray together.
- Do not allow work, phones, social media, or other activities to completely replace your relationship.
2. LACK OF COMMUNICATION
Many marital problems become worse because couples refuse to talk.
Instead of saying, “This is hurting me,” someone keeps everything inside.
Eventually, resentment grows.
Ephesians 4:25 teaches us to speak truthfully with one another.
A healthy marriage needs honest communication.
If something is wrong, talk about it respectfully instead of looking outside the marriage for emotional comfort.
3. EMOTIONAL DISTANCE
Sometimes cheating begins long before physical unfaithfulness.
A person may first become emotionally attached to someone outside the marriage.
They begin sharing private problems with that person.
They begin looking forward to talking to that person.
They begin hiding conversations from their spouse.
Eventually, an inappropriate emotional relationship can develop.
Jesus warned about the seriousness of lustful thoughts in Matthew 5:27–28.
Therefore, Christians must guard not only their actions but also their hearts.
4. LACK OF AFFECTION AND APPRECIATION
Everyone wants to feel valued.
A husband needs to know that his wife appreciates him. A wife needs to know that her husband values her.
Simple words such as:
“Thank you.”
“I appreciate you.”
“I am proud of you.”
“I love you.”
can strengthen a marriage.
But remember: lack of affection does not justify adultery.
If affection is missing, the Christian response is communication, counseling, prayer, patience, and working together—not cheating.
5. UNRESOLVED CONFLICT
Every marriage experiences disagreements.
The danger comes when couples refuse to resolve them.
Ephesians 4:26–27 warns us not to allow anger to control us or give the devil an opportunity.
Do not allow yesterday's argument to become today's bitterness and tomorrow's separation.
Learn to forgive.
Learn to apologize.
Learn to say:
“I was wrong.”
Sometimes those three words can prevent a small problem from becoming a major crisis.
6. BAD FRIENDSHIPS AND WRONG INFLUENCES
The people around us can influence our decisions.
1 Corinthians 15:33 says:
«“Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company ruins good morals.’”»
If someone constantly tells a married person:
“Everybody cheats.”
“Your spouse doesn't have to know.”
“Just enjoy yourself.”
“That person deserves it.”
Those words can gradually weaken one's commitment to marriage.
Choose friends who respect God, marriage, and righteousness.
7. UNGUARDED USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA
Social media can create opportunities for inappropriate relationships.
A married person may reconnect with an old friend, begin private conversations, and gradually cross boundaries.
The problem is not simply the phone.
The problem is how the phone is being used.
Be careful with secret conversations, inappropriate messages, emotional attachments, and relationships you would be ashamed for your spouse to see.
If you have to hide it, ask yourself why.
8. S*XUAL TEMPTATION AND LACK OF SELF-CONTROL
The Bible teaches husband and wife to care for one another in marriage.
1 Corinthians 7:3–5 teaches married couples about mutual responsibility and warns against creating unnecessary opportunities for temptation.
However, this passage should never be used to pressure or force a spouse into s*xual activity.
Faithfulness requires self-control.
Galatians 5:22–23 identifies self-control as part of the fruit of the Spirit.
A Christian must learn to say NO to temptation.
9. UNFORGIVENESS AND RESENTMENT
When one spouse keeps remembering every past mistake, the marriage can become filled with bitterness.
Colossians 3:13 teaches Christians to forgive one another.
Forgiveness does not mean pretending that wrongdoing never happened. It means refusing to allow bitterness to control your heart.
Where necessary, serious marital problems should be addressed with mature and trustworthy counsel.
10. LIVING WITHOUT GOD AT THE CENTER
The greatest protection for a Christian marriage is not money, beauty, education, or social status.
It is a relationship with God.
When both husband and wife are committed to following Christ, they have a stronger foundation for faithfulness.
Joshua 24:15 says:
«“As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”»
A marriage that serves God should seek God's wisdom when problems arise.
11. DENYING YOUR PARTNER WITH S*X
This is the most dangerous part in marriage. Some wives/husband deny their partner with s*x and this can easily brings about cheating.
The Bible says in 1Corinthians 7:3-5
1 Corinthians 7:3-5
[3]Let the husband render to his wife the affection due her, and likewise also the wife to her husband.
[4]The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. And likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does.
[5]Do not deprive one another except with consent for a time, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again so that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.
IMPORTANT TRUTH: BEING HURT DOES NOT GIVE YOU PERMISSION TO CHEAT
Perhaps your spouse has neglected you.
Perhaps they have spoken harshly to you.
Perhaps they have disappointed you.
Perhaps there are serious problems in your marriage.
But sin is never the correct solution to another person's sin.
If your spouse has done wrong, respond according to God's principles.
Do not say:
“My husband made me cheat.”
or
“My wife made me cheat.”
A person may influence you, tempt you, or hurt you, but each person remains responsible for their own choices.
HOW CAN WE PROTECT OUR MARRIAGES?
1. Put God first.
Pray individually and together.
2. Communicate regularly.
Talk about problems before they become crises.
3. Set boundaries.
Do not allow inappropriate friendships to develop.
4. Be transparent.
Avoid secret relationships and hidden conversations.
5. Show appreciation.
Do not take your spouse for granted.
6. Resolve conflicts.
Do not allow resentment to grow.
7. Practice self-control.
Temptation will come, but you do not have to surrender to it.
8. Do not deprive your partner with s*x.
1 Corinthians 7:3-5
[3]Let the husband render to his wife the affection due her, and likewise also the wife to her husband.
[4]The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. And likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does.
[5]Do not deprive one another except with consent for a time, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again so that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.
8. Seek help early.
When a marriage is struggling, seek mature, trustworthy Christian counsel before the situation becomes worse.
Conclusion
A strong marriage does not happen by accident.
It requires love, sacrifice, communication, forgiveness, faithfulness, self-control, and commitment to God.
If your marriage is struggling, don't look outside your marriage for an answer.
Look to God.
If you are lonely, communicate.
If you are hurt, seek healing.
If you are tempted, exercise self-control.
If there is conflict, seek reconciliation.
If the problems are serious, seek wise help.
Remember:
Temptation may come, but faithfulness is a choice.
Problems may exist, but adultery is not the solution.
Protect your marriage. Honor your covenant. And above all, honor God.
Final Scripture
Hebrews 13:4:
“Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.”
Final Challenge
Husbands: Love, honor, appreciate, and remain faithful to your wives.
Wives: Love, honor, appreciate, and remain faithful to your husbands.
Both: Put Christ at the center of your marriage, and do not give temptation room to destroy what God has joined together.
May God strengthen every Christian marriage and help us remain faithful to Him and to one another. Amen.
BY SONGS LEADER ANSAH
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