The Sin of Adultery - Can I Be Forgiven by God?

Q. I am married male with the addiction of looking for other women and committing adultery very often. I become very disloyal to my wife even though I go to confession. Many times I am making the same mistake due to addiction. Can I be saved by God by leaving this sinful life and turning to my Lord? Please reply.

A. This is a question that is ideally addressed more fully in your church by speaking to your priest or even a good Catholic counselor. It is difficult to approach this forum precisely. But here are a couple of brief thoughts that are important to understand to help point you in the right direction.

First, God's mercy is so perfect and so absolute that it deeply desires to free you from all sin. Committing adultery is a sin and can even become addictive. When this happens, confession is essential. But often the grace of confession works best when addiction is confronted with other means as well. Try to make an appointment with your priest or look for a good counselor. Have hope and be diligent in seeking freedom.

Secondly, adultery causes great harm in marriage. Even though God forgives easily when you sincerely confess to Him, don't expect the wound in your relationship with your spouse and other family members to be healed overnight. This is an unfair expectation on their part. Healing is certainly possible and reconciliation must be sought and hoped for, but it will take time, patience, mercy, forgiveness and conversion. Don't let this overwhelm you, just have hope and commit to doing whatever it takes to heal and restore confidence. It may take weeks, months, or even years, but seeking this honest reconciliation is essential.

Have faith! And don't use addiction as an excuse. It may be difficult to accept, but it is essential that you take responsibility for your actions. Do it in the context of God's Mercy and the unlimited power to free yourself from all sin. Trust him and give your life to him every day. If you do, the Lord won't let you down.