Question
I found out that a friend is cheating on her husband. She has a family with a child. What would Jesus do?
Direct Answer
Jesus would take this seriously, because adultery wounds trust, marriage, family, and the child caught in the middle. But Jesus would not respond with gossip, public humiliation, cruelty, or self-righteousness.
He would bring truth with mercy.
A loving first step would be to speak to your friend privately, gently, and clearly. You might say:
“I care about you, your husband, and your child. I’m not here to shame you, but I can’t pretend this is harmless. I believe this will deeply wound your family. Please stop, tell the truth, and seek help.”
Jesus would call her away from sin, but He would do it with a desire to restore, not destroy.
Biblical Reference
Jesus showed both mercy and seriousness when a woman was caught in adultery:
“He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.”
— John 8:7
After her accusers left, Jesus said:
“Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.”
— John 8:11
So Jesus did not crush her with condemnation, but He also did not excuse the adultery. His mercy led to repentance.
Jesus also taught that marriage is sacred:
“What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.”
— Mark 10:9
And He named adultery as a real sin:
“Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery…”
— Mark 10:19
Jesus also gave a wise pattern for addressing sin privately first:
“Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone…”
— Matthew 18:15
Present-Day Translation
Today, Jesus would likely call you to avoid two extremes.
Do not ignore it as if it does not matter. Love does not pretend destructive choices are harmless.
But also do not expose her in anger, gossip about her, or treat her like she is beyond grace.
Start privately. Speak gently, but do not soften the truth so much that it disappears. Encourage her to end the affair, confess to her husband, and seek wise help, such as pastoral care, marriage counseling, or a mature Christian mentor.
You are not responsible to control her choices. But as her friend, you can be a faithful witness: truthful, compassionate, prayerful, and unwilling to help hide what is hurting her family.