In this powerful episode of Marriage Unhindered, Catholic marriage counselor Doug Hinderer and his therapist daughter Monica unpack one of the hardest crosses a spouse can carry – discovering a partner’s infidelity. The conversation centers on a wife who recently found out her husband fathered a child outside their decades-long marriage. Doug and Monica explore how a person can begin to heal from such devastation without losing hope or their sense of worth.
They remind you that infidelity is never the betrayed spouse’s fault. The sin belongs to the one who broke their vows and healing begins by recognizing that truth. Monica emphasizes the need for individual therapy and support, not isolation, while Doug stresses that forgiveness is essential for every Christian, even when it seems impossible. Forgiveness, they explain, is the freeing act of releasing the burden of another’s sin to God.
The Hinderers also point to practical steps: seeking Catholic marriage counseling, involving a trauma-informed therapist, and encouraging the unfaithful spouse to own his actions and walk in honesty rather than shame. They tell you about examples of heroic forgiveness – including real-life couples who rebuilt trust after affairs and public figures who forgave unimaginable wrongs — to show that while painful, redemption is possible through grace and hard work.
Ultimately, this episode offers hope that, even in betrayal, God can bring resurrection from ruin. As Doug puts it, “You’ve been given a terrible, wonderful opportunity to practice heroic forgiveness.”
If you or someone you know is navigating infidelity, this episode reminds us that healing and holiness can still grow from heartbreak – with Christ at the center.
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