What Does The Bible Say About Homewreckers?

Infidelity and adultery are sadly common occurrences that can destroy relationships, families, and lives. If you have ever been the victim of a homewrecker, or contributed to the breakdown of someone else’s relationship, you may be wondering – what does the Bible say about homewreckers?

The Bible contains many passages that condemn marital unfaithfulness and those who contribute to it. Overall, Scripture clearly indicates that homewrecking is a grievous sin.

In this comprehensive article, we will examine numerous biblical verses about adultery, sexual immorality, and those who come between married couples. We will unpack what the Bible says about the sanctity of marriage, how to resist sexual temptation, and how cheaters and homewreckers can find redemption.

Whether you are the injured party or the homewrecker yourself, read on for biblical truths, wisdom, and hope.

Biblical Verses Condemning Adultery and Sexual Immorality

Exodus 20:14 – The Seventh Commandment

“You shall not commit adultery.” (Exodus 20:14) This commandment from God prohibits marital infidelity and extramarital relations. According to this verse, any sexual activity outside of marriage is considered adultery and sinful in God’s eyes.

Proverbs 6:32 – Adultery Destroys the Soul

“But a man who commits adultery has no sense; whoever does so destroys himself.” (Proverbs 6:32) This verse warns that the shameless act of adultery destroys one’s soul and moral character. It emphasizes the self-destructive nature of adultery.

Matthew 5:27-28 – Lust is Adultery of the Heart

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” (Matthew 5:27-28) Jesus equates lustful thoughts with the sin of adultery itself.

Even sexual desire in the heart is adultery before God.

1 Corinthians 6:18 – Flee from Sexual Immorality

“Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body.” (1 Corinthians 6:18) Paul urges believers to avoid all forms of sexual sin. Sexual immorality is a sin against one’s own body and grieves the Holy Spirit.

Hebrews 13:4 – Marriage Bed Undefiled

“Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.” (Hebrews 13:4) This verse emphasizes that the covenant of marriage is sacred. God will judge those who defile the marriage bed through adultery.

Passages on the Sanctity of Marriage

Genesis 2:24 – One Flesh Union

Genesis 2:24 states that a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become “one flesh.” This emphasizes the profound spiritual and physical union between a husband and wife, establishing marriage as an exclusive covenant relationship.

Mark 10:2-12 – What God Joins No Man Separate

In Mark 10:2-12, Jesus teaches that since God has joined a married couple together, no person should attempt to separate that union. He condemns divorce, except in cases of sexual immorality. This underscores the permanence and loyalty that should characterize marriage.

1 Corinthians 7:2-5 – Fulfill Marital Duty

1 Corinthians 7:2-5 stresses that husbands and wives have conjugal rights and responsibilities toward one another. They should render the “marriage debt” to each other, meeting each other’s sexual needs. This promotes intimacy and faithfulness within marriage.

Ephesians 5:25 – Husbands Love Your Wives

Ephesians 5:25 instructs husbands to love their wives sacrificially, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself for her. Such selfless, nurturing love should be the cornerstone of all Christian marriages.

Hebrews 13:4 – Marriage Honored by All

In Hebrews 13:4, God commands that all Christians honor marriage and keep it undefiled, abstaining from sexual immorality and adultery. This protects marriage from being degraded and broken. Overall, Scripture upholds faithfulness, selflessness, intimacy and permanence as vital to God-honoring marriages.

Resisting Sexual Temptation

Matthew 26:41 – Pray to Avoid Temptation

In Matthew 26:41, Jesus tells his disciples to “watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.” Praying regularly for strength and discernment can help believers avoid compromising situations and make wise choices. As James 1:5 says, God generously gives wisdom to those who ask Him.

Setting aside quiet time each day to read the Bible, meditate, and speak with God is crucial to resisting temptation.

1 Corinthians 10:13 – God Limits Temptation

1 Corinthians 10:13 provides great hope, reminding us that God will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we can bear. He sets limits on temptation and provides a way out so we can endure. When feeling overwhelmed, we can ask Him for an escape route.

Part of the way out is spiritual resources like Scripture, prayer, and Christian fellowship. With God’s help, believers can resist any temptation that comes along.

2 Timothy 2:22 – Flee Youthful Lusts

In 2 Timothy 2:22, Paul instructs Timothy to flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace. Running away from temptation is often the wisest choice. This may mean cutting off access to compromising media, ending inappropriate relationships, or avoiding tempting locations.

While resisting sexual urges, it helps to intentionally seek positive pursuits like Bible reading, serving others, and Christian fellowship.

Titus 2:11-12 – Grace Teaches Self-Control

Titus 2:11-12 teaches that God’s grace trains us to say no to ungodliness and worldly passions. As we grow in understanding God’s love and salvation, we gain desire and power to live uprightly. Regularly reflecting on the gospel provides motivation and strength to exercise self-control.

Meeting regularly with other believers for accountability, encouragement, and prayer can also help in practicing sexual integrity.

1 Peter 2:11 – Abstain from Fleshly Lusts

In 1 Peter 2:11 believers are urged to abstain from fleshly lusts that war against the soul. Controlling sexual desires is truly a battle. But with the Spirit’s help, we can gain victory. We must make no provision for the flesh (Romans 13:14), fleeing immorality and pursuing purity (1 Corinthians 6:18, 2 Timothy 2:22).

As we set our minds on things above (Colossians 3:2), the Spirit empowers us to walk in freedom.

Seeking Redemption from Adultery

Proverbs 28:13 – Confess and Forsake Sin

Proverbs 28:13 encourages us that if we confess and forsake our sins, we will obtain mercy. Adultery is extremely hurtful, but God’s grace and forgiveness know no bounds for the repentant heart that turns away from sin.

We must be completely honest before God, laying bare our failings and receiving His cleansing. Sources like GotQuestions.org provide excellent Biblical perspective on recovering from infidelity.

John 8:1-11 – Jesus Forgives Adulteress

In John 8:1-11, the teachers of the law condemn an adulteress, yet Jesus famously commands, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her” (v. 7). Jesus demonstrates that we all need grace.

He sends away her accusers and tenderly tells the woman, “Neither do I condemn you. Go now and leave your life of sin” (v. 11). This story illustrates God’s compassion and highlights that with repentance and faith, anyone enslaved in sin can find freedom.

Acts 3:19 – Repent and Turn to God

Peter’s words in Acts 3:19 provide a concise formula for restoration with God: “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out.” True repentance means resolutely turning away from sin with the help of the Holy Spirit.

As we realign our hearts with God’s ways, receiving His forgiveness and grace, He is able to wipe out the stain of sins like adultery. Helpful resources like the BibleStudyTools.com commentary further elaborate on genuine repentance.

1 John 1:9 – God Forgives and Cleanses Us

1 John 1:9 brings incredible hope, promising that “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” Even in grievous failures like cheating and being unfaithful in marriage, God offers full forgiveness and cleansing to the sincerely repentant heart.

However, this requires fully admitting where we have fallen short, both to God and those we have hurt like our spouse. As explained at sites like Bibleref.com, this verse highlights God’s complete restoration for the penitent.

Luke 15:11-32 – Prodigal Son Parable

Jesus’ famous parable of the Prodigal Son offers profound insights regarding the incredible mercy, grace, and joy extended to those who sincerely return to God after walking away from Him. Just as the wayward younger son in the story was fully welcomed back and celebrated by his compassionate father, God abundantly pardons those who come back to Him with true repentance after serious transgressions.

The BibleStudyTools.com commentary provides rich perspective on how this parable relates to finding redemption after betraying those we love.

Conclusion

The Bible consistently condemns sexual immorality and violations of marital vows. While Scripture makes clear that adultery and homewrecking are dangerous and destructive sins, it also offers hope and redemption to those who sincerely repent.

Through confessing wrongdoing, turning from sin, accepting Christ’s forgiveness, and making restitution, cheaters and homewreckers can find new life. With God’s help, damaged marriages can be healed and restored.

The sanctity of marriage is to be honored by all. But when lapses occur, God’s grace is bigger than any sin. May this biblical guidance grant wisdom and encouragement to all who face infidelity’s painful consequences.