Matthew 5:27-30
[27] “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ [28] But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart. [29] If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell. [30] And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell.
Head: This passage defines what a married person should not do. What can we deduce from this teaching as to what a married person should do?
Heart: What kind of husband/wife do you want to be so that God would be honored in your marriage?
Hands: Are you praying that you'll grow to be that kind of person? What steps are you taking so that you can grow in that way?
For God, the Christian life is not about engaging in good behavior and avoiding bad behavior. Rather it's about having the heart that God wants us to have towards God and others, then putting these things to action. Jesus applies this principle to one matter of community life: marriage.
Some people back in Jesus' day were teaching that as long as you don't cheat on your spouse, that you are fulfilling your duty to them. Jesus clarifies what the true spirit of this command is: that you are to love your spouse fully in heart and action. They were to actively love and care for their spouse, fulfilling their promise to God that they will be one with their spouse.
Even as single people, there is a lot we can do to prepare our hearts to be loving and committed husbands and wives one day. Learn to treat members of the other gender well, with respect and care. Be serious about keeping your word, letting your yes be yes and no be no. Learn more to honor God in your relationships.
>> Go to YG Seniors Devotions Main Page
Devotional Guide:
1) Pray for understanding in your mind, for trust in your heart, and for powerful obedience in your daily living.
2) Read the passage and mark anything that blesses you, challenges you, or raises a question.
3) Reflect on the passage. What's God saying about Himself? What's God saying about you?
4) Pray in response to what God puts on your heart through the Word.