The question was can your relationship (marriage) survive infidelity... adultery? This is the ONLY reason for divorce in the bible.
First of all, no matter what view one takes on the issue of divorce, it is important to remember Malachi 2:16: “I hate divorce, says the LORD God of Israel.” According to the Bible, marriage is a lifetime commitment.
“So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate” (Matthew 19:6). God realizes, though, that since marriages involve two sinful human beings, divorces are going to occur.
In the Old Testament, He laid down some laws in order to protect the rights of divorcees, especially women (Deuteronomy 24:1-4). Jesus pointed out that these laws were given because of the hardness of people’s hearts, not because they were God’s desire (Matthew 19:8).The controversy over whether divorce and remarriage is allowed according to the Bible revolves primarily around Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:32 and 19:9. The phrase “except for marital unfaithfulness” is the only thing in Scripture that possibly gives God’s permission for divorce and remarriage.
Many interpreters understand this “exception clause” as referring to “marital unfaithfulness” during the “betrothal” period. In Jewish custom, a man and a woman were considered married even while they were still engaged or “betrothed.” According to this view, immorality during this “betrothal” period would then be the only valid reason for a divorce.(gotquestions.org)
Most people of course said HELL NO. But one person brought up a very valid point. Elizabeth Edwards, presidential candidate John Edwards wife, said in an interview that after 30 years of marriage he made one mistake. She was not willing to throw everything they had away because of his indiscretion. So they were going to work on their marriage.
I at first took this as the words of a woman who was near death ( she has terminal cancer), but then I realized that she had something. 30 years is not something you just throw away. I know people who didn't see their 30th birthday. And this woman has been joined to one man.... in sickness and in health, the loss of a child, infidelity, love, pain,for richer or poorer, and politics. WOW. She wants till death do us part. If that's what it takes then I think I am willing. (By the way, the woman who brought this up was a widow.)
I just wonder would the same rules apply if you are married for 6 months, 1 year, 3 years. I think it would be to easy to just give up. He cheated. She cheated. I am DONE. But how much stronger would your marriage be if the other person said... Promise me you will not do this again... He/She says I promise and means it. Then the other person says I FORGIVE YOU. Lets move forward. And they do. I know it is easier written than done, but I think it can be done. If more people looked at their marriage as till death do us part, and not well we can always divorce if this doesn't work. Then I will find the one cause obviously he wasn't the one.
I know there is a lot of biblical text in this entry, but I don't think its possible for marriages to last unless there is a higher power involved. Be it God, Jehovah, Allah, or whoever you may worship. Zeke says an atheist who has been married for 30-40 years would see different. Of course they would and I encourage them to comment. However, I don't know any one who doesn't believe in someone.
I understand marriage is work; I just pray that with God's hand we will make it to the very end.... together.
