Adultery. It’s one of the top 10 biggie sins. We recently walked through the book of Exodus (see other posts) and we learned how God gave Moses the law he wanted for his people. Adultery was one of the 10 Commandments. It is a sin that requires another person. This is a big subject to unpack. But I’ll try.
Divorce. Another huge subject. One that I’ve struggled with for 20+ years now. Ever since my own divorce, I wondered how my sinfulness was affecting my salvation. You know, a broken vow is a broken vow (stay tuned for a future post in Jesus’ sermon on the mount). So what does Jesus really say about divorce? We’ll see.
Let’s start with adultery. It isn’t just the act, but just the thought or “lust” of it. That was a bit of a shocker, wasn’t it? You may remember I wrote of the “Godspell” experience in my youth in an earlier post. This particular part of the narration involved two people (a teenage girl and teenage boy) to “act” out the seductive look as they walked past each other on the stage. Funny especially because my younger brother (of 3 years) was the one who got to walk across the stage! This is 40 years ago folks! It’s a fun memory to keep this passage “alive.”
In all seriousness, Jesus upped the intensity of this sin by extending it to “lustful thoughts.” Like anger to murder in yesterday’s reading, today it’s lust to adultery, as far as “motive” or intent. I know lust is a big struggle for people. I’ve seen that in our recovery ministry experiences over the years. It can be life-changing, and not in a good way. That’s the way of sin. It hurts us as much as it hurts God. Being separated from his will for us is not a “feel good” place.
So, how can we avoid sexual sin? I read the following list in a book, Challenging Lifestyle, by Nicky Gumbel. (1) Repent (2) Receive Forgiveness (3) Resist and Run (4) Relate to Others (5) Recommit to Christ (6) Refilled with the Holy Spirit (7) Realize What Are Missing
Like any other temptation, God will help us when we need it. He is listening. All the time. He doesn’t want us to stumble when he’s that close waiting. His promise of forgiveness is also something to cling to. I’m not sure about a lot of things, but I do know eternal life with Jesus someday is my final destiny.
That’s a big statement for me, because I haven’t always been so sure of that. Particularly because of my divorce all those years ago. I couldn’t justify it in my head that God could love me enough to forgive me for breaking a vow I had made before him. Despite the fact there were abuses of many kinds, I still felt I had let God down.
This passage from Jesus has helped heal me of this fear. I am starting to see and understand that divorce is not an unforgivable sin. It certainly is one we should repent of, but that Jesus died so that our sins could be forgiven once and for all. I needed to forgive myself even when God already had. This may be a common struggle, so I wanted to share how I was wrestling with it.
For any folks in a struggling marriage, be sure you don’t jump ship too soon. I’ve seen that over the years. Couples that should not have ever thrown in that towel. I don’t stand here to judge, only love on folks no matter their situation. That’s between them and God. Seek help. Be authentic and work through your differences. Remember why you fell in love in the first place.
Let’s pray. Lord, you know my heart. You know how I’ve struggled with your acceptance of me and forgiveness for my divorce and remarriage. While I wouldn’t change a thing, I am sorry I let you down. But I do feel that you have blessed my new marriage like you would have wanted for my only marriage. I am grateful for that. Use my story to help others find their way on their own journey. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
