You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to go into hell.
—Matthew 5:27-30
The prohibition on adultery goes back to the 10 Commandments. Marriage is one of the institutions on which society is formed, and honoring the fidelity which is at the heart of a marital relationship is crucial for God’s people. Jesus stated plainly in the Sermon on the Mount “You shall not commit adultery.” But then He went on to indicate that the mindset behind the act of adultery was just as dangerous as the act itself to our proper functioning in society. “If you look at a woman with lust, you have already committed adultery in your heart.” And the solution to this underlying problem? If you can’t control your roving eye – tear it out throw it away!
How do we hear this? Violating your promise of fidelity by committing adultery is wrong. Don’t do it! And, since the eye is the window to the soul, be careful what you look at (and who and how you look at others.) Keep your mind as pure as possible.
Prayer
Creator God, we know that You wish for us to function to the best of our ability as we were created. Let us live our lives following your laws and enjoying the beauty you desire in our relationships with one another and with You. In Jesus’ precious name we pray. Amen.