Thou shalt not commit adultery.
-Exodus 20:14, KJV
When an adulterous spouse feigns ignorance or confusion over the ending of their marriage, it is a ploy to avoid taking responsibility. This isn’t rocket science, folks!
God does not command the ending of a marriage over adultery in the Old Testament to signal such sin is minor or merely incidental the the destruction of said relationship (e.g. Deuteronomy 22:22, Leviticus 20:10). Adultery cuts out the heart of a marriage. That is why-in part–I believe Jesus gave permission to faithful spouses to end by divorce such a violated relationship (e.g Mt. 19:9).
But all of that does not stop the excuses and blame-shifting. Cheaters and cheater-apologists are quick to attempt to obscure that which is crystal clear in the Bible:
My husband was too busy working and didn’t pay me much attention. He did.
Thou shalt not commit adultery.
My wife had gained some weight and had stretch marks from giving birth to our three kids. She was a 20-something with perky breasts and rock hard abs.
Thou shalt not commit adultery.
My husband is not making much money right now. He was rich and generous to me.
Thou shalt not commit adultery.
My wife only had sex with me once a month, if that. She was willing to go anytime and anywhere I wanted.
Thou shalt not commit adultery.
It is very simple: DO NOT COMMIT ADULTERY!
This is not a confusing commandment to follow. It is very simple. However, we over complicated it with excuses and justifications over why the cheating spouse did not obey God’s clear commandment.
Whatever the circumstances of the original marriage–good or ill–that does not nullify this command from God. Yet focusing on those circumstances effectively teaches that those circumstances do.
We are commanded by God to not commit adultery regardless of the condition of our marriage. And we are fully responsible if we fail to obey this command.
“Thou shalt not commit adultery” is not a complicated command. Someone claiming confusion over such matters is not so much confused. He or she is simply committed to wickedness.
*A version of this post ran previously.
