The Sixth Commandment

“Thou shalt not commit adultery.” (Exodus 20:14, King James Version)

In his book, Luther’s Small Catechism, Martin Luther answers the question – What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we lead a sexually pure and decent life in what we say and do, and husband and wife love and honor each other.

In God’s eyes, to lead a sexually pure and decent life means that you do not have sex until you are married, one man to one woman, and that you don’t stray from that person, in thought, word or actions. You are committing adultery if you have sex in any way outside of your marriage or if you think about having sex with anyone outside of your marriage.

Why?

   But when God made the world, ‘he made them male and female. So a man will leave his father and mother and be united with his wife, and the two will become one body.’ So there are not two, but one. God has joined the two together, so no one should separate them.” (Mark 10:6-9, New Century Version)

   Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral. (Hebrews 13:4, New International Version)

   But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. (Matthew 5:28, New Living Translation)

And there are so many more Bible verses on this topic. But what does this mean for us today?

How about this. Just this week the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe vs Wade, returning the power to the states to decide if a woman can get an abortion, under what circumstances, and when during the pregnancy.

I hate sounding so unrealistic and simpleminded, but if no one broke the 6^th commandment, no one would need an abortion. Which means, of course, no one is committing rape or incest. Which, we all know, so very sadly, will not happen.

But, hopefully, you see my point. These women who say, “my body, my choice”, should have made the choice to abstain from intercourse or at the very least use the most reliable form of birth control available. If she was in a loving, committed relationship with the man who got her pregnant, he would accept responsibility as well. I know – only in a perfect world.

But we need to turn to God; He really has all the answers. We gotta start listening to Him.  

Oh, boy, time to give you your assignment for this week. If you know someone who has had an abortion, or who is struggling in their marriage, or who is dealing with infidelity – either themself or their spouse – pray for them. No one is a bad person for breaking any of the commandments, including this one. They need our support and understanding. They need to know that you can forgive them and that so can God.