Exodus 20:14 (Adultery...)
This Monday Message is definitely the one I've spent the most time over. Not because it was long, or hard, but because I feel it touches on areas that could make me seem a little judgemental. So let me first state that my aim with these messages is not to judge, but t process the thoughts I have while reading the Bible and, hopefully, distilling them into a format others enjoy and gain insight from.
Today I continue the theme of the Ten Commandments in view of relationships. This commandment focuses on the marriage relationship.
Exodus 20:14
You must not commit adultery.
The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines adultery as "voluntary sexual intercourse between a married man and someone other than his wife or between a married woman and someone other than her husband."
The key part, in my opinion is the word voluntary. Adultery is not an accident. Adultery is a choice made by someone to seek physical pleasure from someone with whom they don't share a marriage vow.
The Ten Commandments spell out plainly and simply God's view on adultery. It is not to happen.
So what does this command actually mean?
In essence, it simply states that, if you're married, you only have relations with that person for the rest of marriage, only ended by the death of one of you.
To commit adultery is deny your connection to your partner, your promise before God and to entwine another in your life.
Here comes the tricky part.
According to the Bible, if you divorce and remarry, in some circumstances you are committing adultery.
The old testament does lay out some criteria for divorce; All of which hinge marital unfaithfulness. And while this allowance is made it's important to note two things:
Matthew 19:7-8
Then why did Moses say in the law that a man could give his wife a written notice of divorce and send her away?” they asked.
Jesus replied, “Moses permitted divorce only as a concession to your hard hearts, but it was not what God had originally intended.
Malachi 2:16
“For I hate divorce!” says the Lord, the God of Israel. “To divorce your wife is to overwhelm her with cruelty,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. “So guard your heart; do not be unfaithful to your wife.”
God loves all He has created and He is able to forgive all sins and wrong choices we make. Thank God that no matter what we do, or how we fall, He is waiting with outstretched arms to welcome us back with love and without condemnation.
If this post has raised some questions, concerns, anger or doubt for you, please leave a comment below or on the Facebook page so that others can hear your thoughts and share theirs with you.
Today I continue the theme of the Ten Commandments in view of relationships. This commandment focuses on the marriage relationship.
Exodus 20:14
You must not commit adultery.The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines adultery as "voluntary sexual intercourse between a married man and someone other than his wife or between a married woman and someone other than her husband."
The key part, in my opinion is the word voluntary. Adultery is not an accident. Adultery is a choice made by someone to seek physical pleasure from someone with whom they don't share a marriage vow.
The Ten Commandments spell out plainly and simply God's view on adultery. It is not to happen.
So what does this command actually mean?
In essence, it simply states that, if you're married, you only have relations with that person for the rest of marriage, only ended by the death of one of you.
To commit adultery is deny your connection to your partner, your promise before God and to entwine another in your life.
Here comes the tricky part.
According to the Bible, if you divorce and remarry, in some circumstances you are committing adultery.
The old testament does lay out some criteria for divorce; All of which hinge marital unfaithfulness. And while this allowance is made it's important to note two things:
Matthew 19:7-8
Then why did Moses say in the law that a man could give his wife a written notice of divorce and send her away?” they asked.
Jesus replied, “Moses permitted divorce only as a concession to your hard hearts, but it was not what God had originally intended.
Malachi 2:16
“For I hate divorce!” says the Lord, the God of Israel. “To divorce your wife is to overwhelm her with cruelty,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. “So guard your heart; do not be unfaithful to your wife.”
God loves all He has created and He is able to forgive all sins and wrong choices we make. Thank God that no matter what we do, or how we fall, He is waiting with outstretched arms to welcome us back with love and without condemnation.If this post has raised some questions, concerns, anger or doubt for you, please leave a comment below or on the Facebook page so that others can hear your thoughts and share theirs with you.
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