If you've recently discovered that your spouse has cheated, there are five tasks you need to incorporate if you want to move forward in a healthy way.
Talking Points:
- Take a deep breath. Spend some time working through your initial thoughts and feelings before you take action.
- Seek counsel. Talk to a trusted friend, counselor, or church leader.
- Talk to your spouse. You need to express your true feelings regarding your hurt and even how motivated you are to work on the marriage.
- Be clear. Help your spouse understand what earning trust looks like day to day.
- Extend forgiveness. You have to choose to forgive so your spouse has room to prove trustworthiness.
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- How did you discover the affair? What was your initial response?
- What emotions are you having today? Explain.
- Who have you been talking to about this issue? How has it been helpful?
- Have you had an initial conversation with your spouse about the affair? Explain. If yes, what was helpful and what was unhelpful?
- What does it look like for you to forgive your spouse? What are some things you need from your spouse today that would show their repentant heart? What are some things you need your spouse to stop doing to earn some trust?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
