Cut it off

You may think that allowing your mind to wander even briefly to a temptation toward adultery will not affect your marriage. Jesus says it will. You may think that the feelings of anger you’re nursing are not affecting your relationships. Jesus says, “Yes, they are.” What’s happening in your heart is serious business. You may think that the self-pity you heap on yourself every day isn’t affecting your relationships. But it is.

When we hear Jesus say, “Cut it off,” we sometimes feel we don’t know how. “I can’t change my heart,” we say to ourselves. “I’d love to do that, but I can’t change the way I feel.” You’re right; you cannot change the way you feel. But you can change the circumstances that are causing the way you feel. And then the feelings will change.

What you’ve allowed into your heart is serious business, and it’s going to affect your life. Take your heart seriously, and be willing to act radically.