Seventy Times Seven: Embracing God’s Call to Forgive After Adultery

Forgiveness is hard. And when betrayal touches the sacred bond of marriage, it can feel impossible. As a military wife, mother of three adult children, and CEO of a Virtual Assistant Agency, I know firsthand how life’s pressures can strain relationships. The long deployments, stress, and miles of distance can test even the strongest marriage. When trust is broken through infidelity, the path to healing can feel overwhelming.

Yet, as Christians, we are called to something radical: to forgive. In Matthew 18:22, Jesus tells Peter to forgive "seventy times seven"—a reminder that forgiveness is not about keeping score but about living with hearts open to grace. This kind of forgiveness isn't easy, especially after adultery. But with God’s help, healing and restoration are possible.  

What Forgiveness After Betrayal Really Means  

Forgiveness doesn’t mean pretending the hurt isn’t real. It’s not sweeping pain under the rug or excusing destructive behavior. It’s acknowledging the wrong, choosing to release resentment, and trusting God to heal your heart.  

It’s also important to understand that forgiveness is a process. Some days, the hurt will feel raw, and on other days, it may ease. But each step toward forgiveness brings you closer to the freedom God intends for you—freedom from bitterness, anger, and emotional chains. As Ephesians 4:32 encourages us: "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."  

Practical Steps to Forgive and Rebuild Trust  

1. Seek God First  

Begin with prayer. Ask God for the strength to forgive, even when it feels impossible. Let Him soften your heart and guide your thoughts.  

2. Open Communication  

Healing requires transparency. Both spouses need to be honest about their feelings, even if it’s uncomfortable. Share your pain and listen to each other without judgment.  

3. Set Boundaries and Expectations  

Rebuilding trust after infidelity takes time. Establish clear boundaries to protect your relationship, and create a shared plan for accountability moving forward.  

4. Extend Grace—To Yourself and Your Spouse  

Forgiving doesn’t mean you’ll forget, and it doesn’t mean every day will be easy. There will be setbacks. Offer grace to yourself and your spouse as you both navigate this difficult journey.  

5. Seek Help When Needed  

Some wounds are too deep to heal alone. Marriage coaching or counseling can offer tools for rebuilding trust, strengthening communication, and restoring intimacy.  

Rebuilding Together with Faith  

If your marriage has faced the pain of infidelity, know that healing is possible, and you don’t have to face it alone. I offer compassionate guidance and practical support to help couples reconnect and overcome obstacles. Through personalized coaching sessions, couples develop the tools they need to communicate effectively, nurture empathy, and rebuild emotional closeness.

Whether you’re preparing for marriage, navigating the early years, or working through long-term challenges, we provide a supportive space to explore your relationship, uncover hidden struggles, and set meaningful goals for the future. Whether your focus is on restoring trust, enhancing intimacy, or reigniting passion, our sessions are designed to foster deeper connection and lasting growth.

Let’s work together to create a stronger, more resilient marriage built on mutual understanding, renewed faith, and enduring love.