Do I have to confess my adultery to my spouse?

Whether or not to confess the sin of adultery to one's spouse is a
dilemma for many Christians who have had the unfortunate experience of
the sin of adultery. Worldly "experts" usually encourage adulterers to
keep their mouths shut about their infidelities, proclaiming worse
damage will be done by confessing. The problem with this is that it
stifles one's conscience and doesn't allow for the restoration of
relationships that confession is intended to encompass. James 5:16
says, "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each
other so that you may be healed."

The apostle Paul wisely stated, "So I strive always to keep my
conscience clear before God and man" (Acts 24:16). Although adultery
is a sin against God, first and foremost, the Bible also says that our
bodies do not belong to ourselves, but also to the one we are married
to (1 Corinthians 7:4). The physical act of sex is the symbol of the
way a married couple becomes one flesh when God joins them together in
marriage (1 Corinthians 6:15-16). For these reasons, a person who has
committed adultery should pray and allow the Holy Spirit to lead him
or her, confessing the infidelity at the appropriate time.

A guilty conscience will not go away simply by trying to ignore it. It
may, in fact, lead to psychological and even physical problems. As
difficult as it would be for anyone to tell their husband or wife that
they have been unfaithful, it is necessary not only for the integrity
of the marriage, but also for the relationship between the person and
God, so that their conscience may be clear and they will be able to
live a holy and blameless life.