“I meant that you are not to associate with anyone who claims to be a believer yet indulges in sexual sin, or is greedy, or worships idols, or is abusive, or is a drunkard, or cheats people. Don’t even eat with such people.”
-I Corinthians 5:11, NLT
One of the many pains associated with discovering infidelity comes from all the people who continue to hang out socially with your Cheater like they did nothing.
Scripture is clear this is not an option for those of us who believe in Jesus as Lord. We are not to associate with individuals claiming to be Christian who are engaging in such sexual sin.
I think following this directive would to wonders for the witness of the Church.
Victims of marital infidelity would see that their pain matters to the Church, and Cheaters would see that what they did IS A BIG DEAL! It might help Cheaters to turn from their sin as that is the goal of such shunning.
Now, some interaction with Cheaters is unavoidable in some situations. I am not faulting people for those.
Unavoidable contact is different than planning a dinner with or hosting a Cheater. The later sends a clear message to faithful spouses that the host could care less about their pain and what the Cheater did. It lets us–faithful spouses–know that you are not our friend as such is not friend behavior.
