A Call to Purity & Faithfulness

Scripture: Matthew 5:27-32

"You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your 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. And 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. It has been said, ‘Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.’ But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, makes her the victim of adultery, and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery."

Reflection

Jesus' words in this passage are strong, but they reveal the deep importance of purity and faithfulness in God’s design for relationships. He moves beyond the external act of adultery and divorce and points directly to the heart—where lust, unfaithfulness, and impurity begin.

This passage reminds us that sin starts in the mind and heart before it manifests in actions. Jesus challenges us to guard our hearts and take drastic measures against sin. While He is not advocating literal self-harm, His language stresses the seriousness of removing anything that leads us into temptation. Think practicing and pruning, practicing and pruning. 

Marriage, in God’s eyes, is a sacred covenant, not to be discarded lightly. Jesus condemns the casual attitude toward divorce that was prevalent in His time. Our marriages are the symbol for the way that He loves the church, it is not something to be taken lightly. Jesus here calls His followers to uphold faithfulness in marriage, emphasizing the deep commitment that mirrors God’s own steadfast love for His people. 

Application

Examine Your Heart – What thoughts or habits are leading you toward impurity? Ask God to help you root them out.

Guard Your Eyes and Mind – Avoid things that trigger lust or temptation, and seek to focus on things that are pure and honoring to God.

Honor Your Commitments – If you are married, ask God to strengthen your faithfulness and love for your spouse. If you are single, practice purity and patience in preparation for a future commitment.

Take Sin Seriously – Jesus calls us to radical action in removing sin from our lives. Are there things—entertainment, relationships, habits—that you need to “prune” to be able to practice holiness?

Prayer

Lord, You call us to a higher standard of purity and faithfulness. Help us to guard our hearts and take sin seriously. Strengthen our marriages, our thoughts, and our relationships so that we reflect Your love and holiness. Give us the courage to remove anything that leads us away from You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.