Matthew 5:29-30

Matthew 5:29-30 (ESV): “29 If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell. 30 And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell.”

Earthquakes are considered the most destructive of all natural disasters. As damaging as they are, they pale in comparison to the destruction sin causes. We must do whatever is necessary to deal with our sin.

Jesus goes on to teach about adultery. Simply looking at a woman with lust in your heart is considered adultery in God’s eyes. He goes on to say that if your eye causes you to sin, then pluck it out, or if your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. This is a hyperbole that means we should be very ruthless in dealing with sin in our lives, because sin destroys—not just you, but also those around you. We should do whatever is necessary to eradicate sin from our lives.

What steps are you taking to cut off and throw away sin in your life? Not only must we cut sin off, but we are also to throw it away. In other words, we shouldn’t keep things around us that are temptations. We must be willing to remove them. We have the power in the Spirit to do so. The question is, are we willing to be radical with our sin? All God needs is your willingness, and He will show you what to do. Amen?

Father, we thank You for speaking truth into our lives. Give us insight to deal with any sin that exists in our hearts. We don’t just want to try harder—we want to be led by Your Spirit to deal with our sin. Come now and speak to us, we pray, in Jesus’ name, amen.