Why Our Thoughts Matter as Much as Our Actions
What Did Jesus Say in Matthew 5:28?
Jesus taught many important lessons during His time on earth. One of the most powerful lessons comes from His Sermon on the Mount in the book of Matthew. In Matthew 5:28, Jesus says:
“But I tell you that anyone who looks at a person lustfully has already committed adultery. This act occurs within them in their heart.”
This verse means that it’s not just our actions that count, but also our thoughts and desires. Jesus is helping people understand that God’s law isn’t just about what we do on the outside. It’s also about what goes on inside us.
Beyond Actions: God Cares About Our Thoughts
Many people in Jesus’ time thought that following God’s law was only about obeying rules. They believed it was about avoiding bad behaviors, like stealing or hurting someone. The religious leaders, called the Pharisees, taught that as long as you didn’t physically break the rules, you were okay. For example, they said you shouldn’t actually commit adultery (cheating on your spouse). But, they didn’t talk much about what you thought or felt in your heart.
Jesus, nonetheless, explained that God’s rules go deeper than that. He said that even if you don’t do something wrong on the outside, you can still sin on the inside. This happens if your thoughts are not pure. So, if you look at someone with lust, you think about them in a way that’s not respectful or loving. You’re already doing something wrong in your heart.
Why Is This Teaching Important?
· It shows that God sees our hearts. God doesn’t just look at what we do. He knows what we think, feel, and wish for, even if we never say it out loud. Our secret thoughts matter to Him.
· It calls for honesty and purity on the inside. We can’t fool God by pretending to be good if our minds are full of bad thoughts. Jesus’ teaching helps us be real with ourselves and with God.
· It helps us understand the true meaning of sin. Sin isn’t only about breaking rules. It’s about anything that separates us from God, and that includes our thoughts and desires.
The Heart of the Law: Not Just Rules, But Real Change
Jesus didn’t come to get rid of God’s law. Instead, He wanted to show people the deeper meaning of those laws. He wanted everyone to see that obeying God is not just about avoiding bad actions. It’s about becoming the person who loves God and others from the inside out.
In Matthew 5:27-32, Jesus teaches that victory over sinful desires, like lust or anger, requires hard work. It often takes even painful effort. But it’s worth it because God wants to save us from sin, not just help us live with it. He wants us to keep all our senses and powers away from the things that tempt us to do wrong.
Sin Begins in the Heart
Jesus said that sin starts long before we do anything wrong with our bodies. It begins in our hearts—with our thoughts, feelings, and intentions.
For example:
· If someone thinks about cheating, even without acting on it, that thought is already sinful.
· If someone looks at another person just to imagine something lustful, it is as bad as the act itself. This is true in God’s eyes.
This teaching encourages us to be careful with our actions. It also advises us to be mindful of what we allow ourselves to think about.
How Does This Apply to Us Today?
Jesus’ words can help us in many areas of life. Here are some simple ways to put this teaching into practice:
· Pay attention to your thoughts. When you catch yourself thinking about something that is not helpful, redirect it to something loving. Try to turn your mind to something better.
· Ask God for help. If you struggle with bad thoughts, pray and ask God to help you. He understands our struggles and wants to help us become more loving and pure.
· Be careful with what you watch and read. Sometimes, movies, songs, or websites can make it easy to think about things that aren’t good for us. Try to fill your mind with positive things instead.
· Talk to someone you trust. If you’re having a hard time, share your feelings with a trusted friend. A family member or leader can also help you find support and encouragement.
Why Are Lustful Thoughts So Serious?
In Jesus’ culture, adultery was considered a very serious sin—a “capital offense.” Jesus is not trying to make people feel hopeless by saying that lustful thoughts are just as serious. He wants to help them see how important it is to guard their hearts.
Here’s why:
· Lustful thoughts can lead to bad actions.
· They can hurt relationships by creating unrealistic expectations.
· They can make us feel guilty, ashamed, or distant from God.
· They take our focus away from loving others in a healthy way.
Jesus wants us to be free from these things, not trapped by them.
Victory Over the Desires of the Heart
Jesus teaches that overcoming bad desires takes effort and sometimes feels hard. But it is possible, and God gives us everything we need to succeed. Sometimes, we have to make difficult choices—like avoiding certain situations or ending unhealthy habits—to protect our hearts and minds.
He also reminds us that God is full of mercy, and His Spirit can help us. God’s grace and comfort will allow us to follow His teachings, even when it feels tough.
Tender Mercy and Forgiveness
Even when we fail, God is merciful. He understands our weaknesses and offers forgiveness when we come to Him honestly. Jesus’ teaching is not meant to make us feel hopeless. It invites us to seek help, forgiveness, and new strength from God.
Remember:
· God wants to save us from our sins, not leave us stuck in them.
· He gives us grace—the power to change and the comfort we need.
· We can always come to God for forgiveness and a fresh start.
Practical Steps for a Pure Heart
If you want to follow Jesus’ teaching from Matthew 5:28, here are some simple steps:
· Think about what fills your mind each day. Are your thoughts loving and respectful?
· Notice what triggers bad thoughts. Is it something you see or hear? Can you avoid those triggers?
· Pray for God’s help to think pure thoughts and make wise decisions.
· Surround yourself with people and things that encourage you to do good.
· Forgive yourself when you slip up, and ask God for mercy and strength to try again.
Conclusion: Living With a Pure Heart
Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5:28 helps us see that God cares about every part of us. This includes our hidden thoughts and emotions. He calls us not just to avoid bad actions, but to build pure, loving hearts.
It feels hard sometimes, but God is with us every step of the way. We try to keep our hearts clean. We focus our minds on good things. By doing this, we draw closer to God. We become the people He wants us to be.
Remember, it’s not just what we do that matters, but who we are inside. With God’s help, we can have victory over our desires and live with true peace and joy.
Minister A Francine Green
September 2025
afrancinegreen.com 