27"You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’
28But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
29your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.
30And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.
- P114
Many people know the commandments, but they do not always understand the heart behind God’s laws. In this passage, Jesus focuses on adultery and divorce. Some people could argue that they have not technically committed adultery, but Jesus explains that even looking lustfully at another person is committing adultery in the heart. - P116
Sexual sin can also lead to divorce, breaking the marriage bond. Jesus uses hyperbole—exaggerated images such as plucking out eyes and cutting off hands—to show how serious sin is. Our Christian lives begin on the inside and extend outward. - P116
Our eyes and hands follow our hearts. May we take sin seriously, avoiding anything that causes us to stray away from God and His ways. - P116
Some people make vows by swearing an oath in relation to God, but Jesustells His disciples that a simple "yes" or "no" should be enough. Using God‘sname to make a promise seem stronger or more valid suggests insecurityor poor character. The swearing reveals that the person is not actually verytrustworthy. - P116
However, those who reflect the goodness and trustworthinessof God can give a simple answer, and others know that they will keep theirpromises. - P116
May we not use the Lord‘s name to swear oaths that we fail tokeep. Instead, let us aim to be faithful people who are trustworthy andreliable, keeping our promises both to God and to other people. - P116
Dear Lord, teach me to understand the heart behind Your laws. Sanctify me to become more like You as I seek to follow Your ways. May my words and deeds reflect the goodness and grace of Your kingdom. In Jesus’ name, amen. - P117
Many ofus do notwake up one day and decide that we are going to beslanderers, murderers, or adulterers. The choice to sin begins with the atti-unforgiveness, jealousy, pride, andtude in our hearts. If we have come out through our wordsanger inside of us, those things willand actions, leading us directly into sin. If we want to honor God and blessothers, we can ask Him to reveal the thoughts and attitudes within us thatdo not please Him. Then can we invite Him to transform those areas toreflect His love and faithfulness, leading to a life that brings glory to Godin thought, word, and deed. - P117
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