One of life’s hardest lessons is that bad decisions always lead to bad results. What you’ve done is wrong, and now, whatever happens, you’re about to suffer the painful consequences. The Bible warns, “You may be sure that your sin will find you out” (Numbers 32:23).

Don’t misunderstand me, however; don’t think I rejoice over your situation, for I don’t. Nor is God happy over it; He never rejoices over our sins. He loves us, and it hurts Him deeply when we get involved in something wrong, because He knows the pain it’s going to cause us. Even when we repent and seek His forgiveness, we may still have to bear the consequences of what we’ve done.

What should you do? First, I urge you to break off this relationship, clearly and finally. Don’t dabble with it; don’t give in to threats or emotional blackmail; don’t get talked into walking away from your marriage. Then make it your goal to rebuild your marriage. It may take time, and it won’t necessarily be easy, but it’s essential.

Most of all, turn to Christ and make Him the foundation of your life. You need His forgiveness and His wisdom for the future. You also need His help to love your wife and family as you should. The Bible says, “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her” (Ephesians 5:25).