Matthew 5:27, 28 Some think that if lustful thoughts are sin, why shouldn't a person go ahead and do the lustful actions too? Acting out sinful desires is harmful in several ways: It causes people to excuse sin rather than to stop sinning; it destroys marriages; it is deliberate rebellion against God's Word; it always hurts someone else in addition to the sinner. Sinful action is more dangerous than sinful desire, and that is why desires should not be acted out. Nevertheless, sinful desire is just as damaging to righteousness. Left unchecked, wrong desires will result in wrong actions and turn people away from God.
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Matthew 5:29-30 When Jesus said to get rid of your hand or your eye, He was speaking figuratively. He didn't mean literally to gouge our your eye, because even a blind person can lust. But if that were the only choice, it would be better to go into heaven with one eye or hand than to go to hell with two. We sometimes tolerate sins in our lives that, left unchecked, could eventually destroy us. It is better to experience the pain of removal than to allow the sin to bring judgment and condemnation. Examine your life for anything that causes you to sin, and take every necessary action to remove it.
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Matthew 5:32 Jesus said that divorce is not permissible except for unfaithfulness. This does not mean that divorce should automatically occur when a spouse commits adultery. "Sexual immorality" implies a sexually immoral life-style, not a confessed and repented act of adultery. Those who discover that their partner has been unfaithful should first make every effort to forgive, reconcile and restore their relationship. We are always to look for reasons to restore the marriage relationship rather than for excuses to leave it.
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Matthew 5:33 Here, Jesus was emphasizing the importance of telling the truth. People were breaking promises and using sacred language casually and carelessly. Keeping oaths and promises is important, it builds trust and makes committed human relationships possible. The Bible condemns making vows or taking oaths casually, giving your word while knowing you won't keep it, or swearing falsely in God's name.
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Matthew 5:33-37 Oaths, or vows, were common, but Jesus told His followers not to use them - their word alone should be enough (James 5:12). Are you known as a person of your word? Truthfulness seems so rare that we feel we must end our statements with "I promise." If we tell the truth all the time, we will have less pressure to back up our oath or promise.
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