Fidelity in Marriage

What is Fidelity on marriage? Many people believe that fidelity only consist of any physical cats with someone other than your spouse. However Kenneth W. Matheson talk taught us that there is much more to fidelity in marriage. Yes fidelity is refraining from physical contact but it also includes a complete commitment to one another, trust, and respect between husband and wife. President Ezra Taft Benson said, “What does it mean to love someone with all your heart? It means to love with all your emotional feelings and with all your devotion.”

In Matheson’s talk “Fidelity in Marriage: It’s More Than You Think” he stated, “A marriage can be placed in a precarious situation when one spouse forms a relationship with someone outside the marriage and begins to choose the company of that person or frequently shares personal information with that person rather than with a spouse. Furthermore, the problem can occur with either husband or wife.” He goes on to explain and warn about each kind of infidelity in marriage.

Emotional Infidelity

“Emotional infidelity, which occurs when emotions and thoughts are focused on someone other than a spouse, is an insidious threat that can weaken the trust between a couple and shatter peace of mind.” We need to be careful because emotional infidelity happens gradually and often seems innocent at first.

Signs of Emotional Infidelity

“Relationships with others of the opposite sex are not in and of themselves a problem or a fracture of fidelity. In fact, many of our meaningful relationships with neighbors, Church friends, co-workers, and others have a balanced and important place in our lives. However, there is a danger zone that people may cross into if they are not watchful. Compromising on spiritual fidelity can create emotional heartbreak, distrust, and marital conflict. If not corrected, this can lead to physical infidelity.”

Spiritual Fidelity

 “Spiritual fidelity.” This phrase underscores the seriousness of the choices we make because it recognizes the eternal potential of our marital relationships as well as the importance of acting in accordance with the promptings of the Holy Ghost. Spiritual fidelity also causes us to consider the sacred covenants we have made in the temple and how the very nature of our thoughts and deeds can undermine those covenants. In other words, if a person is unfaithful spiritually he is not honoring his temple covenants even though he has not committed physical acts of intimacy.”

When a spouse has found themselves compromise and their spiritual fidelity is in question it is important for them to make the necessary changes by humbling themselves before the Lord, repent, and work on restoring their relationship. They also need to focus on, “ fasting, prayer, temple attendance, scripture study, and pondering the Lord’s teachings are essential in helping one remain pure and true to one’s spouse and in healing the relationship.”

Marital Fidelity

The Family Proclamation states, “The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. … We warn that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God.”

This means that those who are married need to remember that it is not okay to flirt, become emotionally attached, or have desires for others than with our spouse. The Lord says in no uncertain terms: “Thou shalt love thy wife with all thy heart, and shalt cleave unto her and none else”