You become subject to the penalties which the Lord
has prescribed for those who breach their covenants
with Him” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1942, 11).
Elder Ezra Taft Benson
“Marriage itself must be regarded as a sacred covenant
before God. A married couple have an obligation
not only to each other, but to God. He has promised
blessings to those who honor that covenant.
“Fidelity to one’s marriage vows is absolutely essential
for love, trust, and peace. Adultery is unequivocally
condemned by the Lord” (in Conference Report,
Oct. 1982, 85; or Ensign,Nov. 1982, 59).
Elder Robert D. Hales
“Rationalization that God should change His
commandments to accommodate our transgressions
leads to spiritual darkness, which only the light of
the gospel can remove. To the woman taken in
adultery, Christ did not soften the commandment
to not commit adultery. Rather, He counseled her to
‘sin no more’ (John 8:11). He promises all of us
forgiveness through repentance. It is we who must
change, not the commandments” (in
Conference Report, Apr. 1996, 52; or
Ensign,May 1996, 37).
Costs of Infidelity
Proverbs 5:3–4
“For the lips of a strange woman drop
as an honeycomb, and her mouth is
smoother than oil:
“But her end is bitter as wormwood,
sharp as a twoedged sword.”
Malachi 3:5
“And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will
be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against
the adulterers.”
Galatians 6:7–8
“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever
a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
“For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh
reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit
shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.”
Doctrine and Covenants 42:23–24
“And he that looketh upon a woman to lust after
her shall deny the faith, and shall not have the
Spirit; and if he repents not he shall be cast out.
“Thou shalt not commit adultery; and he that com-
mitteth adultery, and repenteth not, shall be cast out.”President Howard W. Hunter
“Be faithful in your marriage covenants in thought,
word, and deed. Pornography, flirtations, and
unwholesome fantasies erode one’s character and
strike at the foundation of a happy marriage. Unity
and trust within a marriage are thereby destroyed.
One who does not control his thoughts and thus
commits adultery in his heart, if he does not repent,
shall not have the Spirit but shall deny the faith and
shall fear (see D&C 42:23; 63:16)” (in Conference
Report, Oct. 1994, 67; or Ensign,Nov. 1994, 50).President Gordon B. Hinckley
“I am satisfied that a happy marriage is not so much
a matter of romance as it is an anxious concern for
the comfort and well-being of one’s companion.
“Selfishness so often is the basis of
money problems, which are a very
serious and real factor affecting the
stability of family life. Selfishness is at
the root of adultery, the breaking of
solemn and sacred covenants to satisfy
selfish lust. Selfishness is the antithesis
of love. It is a cankering expression of
greed. It destroysself-discipline. It
obliterates loyalty. It tears up sacred
covenants. It afflicts both men and
women.
“Too many who come to marriage have been coddled
and spoiled and somehow led to feel that everything
must be precisely right at all times, that life is a series
of entertainments, that appetites are to be satisfied
without regard to principle. How tragic the
consequences of such hollow and unreasonable
thinking!” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1991, 96; or
Ensign,May 1991, 73).Elder Gordon B. Hinckley
“Was there ever adultery without dishonesty? In the
vernacular, the evil is described as ‘cheating.’ And
cheating it is, for it robs virtue, it robs loyalty, it robs112 FIDELITY INMARRIAGE