The pain of betrayal. I can only imagine how you must be feeling. As a pastor, I've seen many couples struggle with infidelity and the hurt that comes with it. It's a wound that can be deep and long-lasting. I've had to counsel many couples who have been through similar experiences, and I've seen firsthand how it can affect not just the relationship, but also the individuals involved.
When we're hurt by someone we love, it's natural to feel angry, resentful, and even bitter. But as Christians, we're called to a higher standard. We're called to forgive, to love our enemies, and to seek reconciliation. It's not always easy, but it's necessary if we want to move forward and heal. As the Bible says, "Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things" (1 Corinthians 13:7). Forgiveness doesn't mean forgetting what happened or excusing the behavior, but it means releasing the hold that hurt has on us and choosing to love and forgive our spouse, even when it's hard.
In my own marriage, I've had to work through my own feelings of hurt and betrayal. My wife, Susan, and I have been married for 19 years, and we've had our share of struggles. But through it all, we've learned to communicate, to forgive, and to love each other more deeply. It's not always easy, but it's worth it. As I've counseled many couples, I've seen that the key to healing is not just forgiveness, but also humility and a willingness to work through the issues together. It's a journey that requires effort and commitment, but it's one that can lead to a deeper, more meaningful relationship.