#7

​Exodus 20:14, 17

​This was God’s command, applicable to both men and women and protected the sacredness of the marriage relationship. God had instituted marriage at the creation of man and woman and had blessed it as the means of filling the earth. The commandment against adultery establishes the boundaries that prevent one of the most enjoyable and unifying aspects of the marriage relationship from becoming a force of destruction. Isn’t it interesting how close adultery and coveting are in proximity in the list and how close they are at the root level? Adultery is coveting someone you can’t and shouldn’t desire. 

1. Take a closer look at the two commandments referenced above. How are they alike? How do they differ?

2. What actions will I undertake to avoid vulnerable situations and love my spouse more completely? 

Challenge: God’s prohibition of adultery shows His wisdom and mercy. To cheat on one’s spouse is perhaps the greatest act of betrayal possible in human-human relationships. We must do what we can to keep ourselves from falling into adultery. May we avoid situations that make adultery more likely and, by the Holy Spirit, may we love our spouses all of our days.