Because for many years I have read the following and wondered many things...
29If 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. 30And 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. Matthew 5:29-30 NIV
For many years I have looked and relooked at this passage!
All this gouging and cutting really bother me...
Jesus has just told people that adultery is bad. To avoid it.
He sets the bar higher than the culture allowed naturally by explaining that even thinking about having sex with another women other than your wife was not cool.
Our culture is the same now. In general you hear that is "ok to look but not touch". Sometimes I have heard people say that "God created sexy bodies so enjoy the view..."
But is the answer to literally pluck your eye out or cut off an appendage?
Maybe what I read this morning might help you as it seems to have helped possibly explain it to me?
Jesus refers to appendages again in a slightly different context...
You need to understand that both chapters are actually all part of one recorded conversation.
But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Matthew 6:3 NIV
Again here we have reference to 'hands'.
Thankfully not about chopping them off, but reference none the less.
It got me thinking.
I think in the context of Matthew 6:3, Jesus is talking not about literal hands but those close to us. To not share with our friends etc what we do in regards to our generosity like a public service annoucement.
Maybe Jesus is saying to be careful especially about having lustful thoughts about those close to us?
Maybe Jesus is saying that it is better to severe relationships with people we are tempted by?
To cut them off! Not just cut your hand off...
The challenge you might discover after reading this is that the Holy Spirit reminds you of a relationship that is not appropriate for you and that maybe you need to cut it off?
If He is doing that, it is not to tell you off, it is actually for your protection.
It doesn't make you bad, it actually shows His love for you.
I hope this helps someone as it has helped me?
Something to think about...
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