CD - The Sixth Commandment - Matthew 5:27-28 (1 John 4:18)

In my opinion, the sixth commandment is the most abused commandment today. The drive to procreate is the most powerful drive known to man. It is such a shame that our emotions are so much stronger than our minds, and most people do not realize it.

Adultery, just like murder, happens not just in bed, and not just by actually doing something; it happens in the heart. Adultery happens at the beach, “what a babe . . . ;” in the school, “did you see that new chick (guy) . . . ,” while watching television, listening to the radio, and reading books. It happens in daydreaming. I wonder how much corruption has been caused by the old phrase, “If it feels good, do it.”

The Greeks may have been great sinners, but they were not stupid people. Unlike the English language, the Greek language has different words for the different types of love, eros being the Greek word for sexual love, phila for brotherly love, and agape for a God-like lover, a selfless concern for another person.

Eros, or sexual love, might be akin to what we call “puppy” love, or romantic infatuation. It is unfortunate, however, that our emotional drive is so strong and our thinking is so clouded that we think we are in love. Maybe if we had a little (or a lot) more agape love, that concern more for the other person than for ourselves, we could keep our minds functioning over our emotions.

Contrary to the popular belief, love is not blind, nor is it jealous; those things refer to selfish desire and even adultery. “Perfect love casts out all fear” (1 John 4:18). If you really love someone, you would not be motivated out of fear of losing that person as a friend, but would instead look for ways to help that person even if it meant giving up your own life.

The widespread corruption of this commandment can be seen in the fact that numerous books, even Christian books, have been written on the subject of dating, love, sex, etc. When talking about adultery it is hard not to discuss the other issues.

Adultery is a sin. It comes from your heart. The pressures to commit adultery are great from the outside, peer pressure, television, radio, advertising, and from the inside (sex drive). It happens outside as well as inside of marriage.

If you are not married, stay away from seductive people and places. Do not put yourself in the position to be tempted. If you are dating, keep your emotions in check. Know the difference between eros and agape. When you get married, marry your best friend, or make your spouse your best friend.

For a good understanding of love, read 1 Corinthians 13, known as the “love chapter.” As far as relationships, as a friend once told me, a “relationship” or friendship will grow and last as long as two people are willing to open themselves up to each other, to communicate. You have many relationships with many friends, each being on a different level, the level you both feel comfortable with and on which you have conscientiously or unconsciously decided. Such relationships are a good start to love and to understanding true agape love.

Dear Lord, I thank You that You have shown me what true love is by sending Your only Son to take all my sins upon Himself, to suffer and die for all my sins, and to rise in order that I might have forgiveness and the gift and promise of eternal life in heaven. Forgive me when I fail to love others. Forgive me when I tend to love things and use others. Help me to understand what true agape love is and love others as You have loved me. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.