Cut off the Cause of Your Sin

Matthew 5:27-30 KJV

Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.

This cluster of verses Jesus talks about in His Sermon on the Mount begins with don't even think about lusting after another person and to (metaphorically) pluck out the eye that looks upon anyone in that way. It simply means to stop lusting before it turns into a real incident. It means that even thinking about someone in a lustful way is as wrong as the act itself. The last part of these verses, though, I think, is talking about cutting off all sin as Jesus talked about cutting off a hand that offends [your relationship with God, others' relationship with God].

Lust for someone else's belongings and lifestyle can be wrong too. That means you aren't satisfied with what God has graciously provided for you. Are things or people more important to you than God is? If so, you are committing idolatry. Do you enjoy being "worshipped" by others? Then you enjoy being the idol, which is dangerously wrong. All idolatry and sin is adultery against God. Are you causing others to sin? Stop it right away, because you will be held accountable for those you drive to hell. Do what you need to do to cut the sin out of your life and to help others do the same.

Think about this. Is what you gain on earth worth eternity in hell? Look to God for answers to change your life. Be patient. Trust Him. Obey Him. Love Him. Humble yourself to Him. He will help you. Jesus came to sacrifice Himself as the One who could save our souls from the pits of hell. And He didn't leave this earth until He told us and showed us how to do things right. I urge you to listen to the call of the Holy Spirit. Let Him guide you to get the help you need or to simply be the help you need to get out of your sin. You can't do it yourself. You need the help of the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, and Spirit) to cut off your sins. You cannot do it without them. Start now with a prayer asking for forgiveness for these sins that offend you and harm your relationship God.

image courtesy of Fa Barboza via Unsplash

#womenhelpingwomen
#helpingothers
#jesussaid

May God bless you and keep you in His care today,

Patricia

Comments

Buying and Care Tips for Outdoor Plants

These first 2 tips came to mind when I was buying 4 new outdoor deck plants this past week at Lowe's. First of all, at least at the Lowe's I visited, all of their hanging basket flowers were badly wilted and turning brown. I'll have to say, that was a first. All of their plants usually look amazing. I'm not sure if it's because of all the local rainfall, and maybe they haven't been watering them regularly, and that was why they looked so shabby. Because typically, someone would be watering the flowers at about the time we arrived; always have been in the past, and no one was doing that on the day we visited earlier this week. Or maybe they've let Mother Nature overwater them. I don't know. Regardless of the reason, I passed on buying hanging basket flowers. I'm the type of person who really needs to start with healthy flowers. Therefore, I brought home 4 in regular pots, because they all looked healthy. So, my first tip is to pay attention to the

Worry is Waste

How many moments do we waste worrying about things we aren't able to control? I know I've had my fair share of moments like that. I won't say that I never worry anymore. Human nature is to worry. But I worry much less these days, because I trust God to take care of all my needs and problems. According to my NLT study Bible, worrying leads to immobilization, but concern leads us to action. I like that they have shown me the difference between worry and concern. Let's, now, read today's Scripture about the impacts of worry and the effects of trusting God from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. Matthew 6:25-34 says, “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your

Being God's Ambassador: Meditation 4

Let's prepare to meditate . Start playing your relaxing sounds/music on another device if you like accompaniment with meditation. With your tissues and water beside you, get in a comfortable sitting position. Close your eyes if you'd like. Now, relax your entire body, starting with your forehead, between your eyebrows, your jaws, your neck and shoulders, your arms and legs. Feel the tension release as you relax. Allow the stomach and shoulders to naturally rise and fall as you slowly breathe in and breathe out. Today's meditation affirmation is "I am created in the image of God. He provides everything I need to be His ambassador." Let's repeat this affirmation to ourselves as we concentrate on our breathing for a few moments. Continue your slow, concentrated breathing as I guide you through today's meditation. Listen to Meditation 4 . In Genesis 1:26 NLT (New Living Translation), God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us.” God made u

Subscribe to Newsletter

Search This Blog