Jackie and Bobby explain how marriages can escape infidelity.
Maybe you’ve heard some statistics about the amount of spouses that cheat in their relationships. They’re not good. For Catholics, our idea of cheating is a bit broader than the secular world’s view, which can make it even scarier to discern marriage. It’s not an easy undertaking, but there are a few things we can do to strengthen our discipline and avoid infidelity in our relationships.
The first thing we need to realize is that everyone has the capacity for great good and great evil. We are all fallen human beings, prone to sin. It’s only through the grace of God that we are given strength to withstand temptations.
Because we have this natural capacity for temptation and sin, we need to take infidelity seriously. The world may tell you that pleasure is the highest good and that sex isn’t actually important, but not only are these ideas untrue, but they directly undermine the sacrament of matrimony.. Catholicism shows us that sex is not just about pleasure, but it’s a communion of souls with the beloved, and is meant to mirror the sacrificial love that Christ has for his Church. Treating sex as just another activity can lead us into believing that doing so outside of marriage, or with someone who is not our spouse, isn’t that big of a deal.
Another way we can fight against infidelity is to know ourselves and know our temptations. We all have certain triggers. The more we know how to avoid the near occasion of sin, the better we can fight temptations that come our way. Communication with your spouse is another huge part of this. Most affairs or temptations occur when tensions are high with your spouse. Seeking to communicate through frustrations and bumps in your marriage can help strengthen your bond.
Lastly, it’s important to remember that God’s grace is greater than any sin. It’s not impossible for a marriage to continue after an affair. The devil is constantly looking for any opportunity to separate what God has brought together. If we strive through prayer to be better, for the sake of the souls around us, there’s no trial that can’t be conquered through the mercy of God.
Meet Jackie and Bobby Angel
Jackie Francois Angel is a full-time worship leader and speaker. Bobby Angel is a campus minister and theology teacher at a Catholic high school. Married in 2013, they have four beautiful children and strive to grow in holiness each day!
