The Sixth Commandment

“You shall not commit adultery.”

It sounds simple at first, but like the other commandments, it reaches far deeper than outward actions alone.

This commandment is about faithfulness.

God created marriage as a lifelong union between husband and wife, and He intends sexuality to be received within that gift, for the marriage bed to be undefiled. When we follow His ways and keep sex in and only in the boundaries of marriage between one man and one woman, we are blessed.

In a world that often treats relationships casually, this commandment reminds us that people are not objects to consume or experiences to chase.

• Relationships matter.
• Promises matter.
• People matter.

Like all the commandments, this commandment not only has a negative explanation, but also has a positive one: we should lead a sexually pure and decent life in what we say and do, and husband and wife should love and honor each other.

Notice those words: love and honor.

This commandment is not just about avoiding certain sins. It’s about learning to see others rightly—with dignity, faithfulness, and self-control. I think this changes how we see this command. For example, a boyfriend and girlfriend doesn’t just resist temptation with each other, they seek to love each other and protect each other from the destruction of sin.

And learning to see others rightly is increasingly difficult in a culture shaped by temptation and instant gratification. Sexuality is constantly disconnected from commitment, physical intimacy disconnected from relational intimacy, relationships avoid sacrifice, and desire is separated from responsibility.

But God’s commands are not arbitrary restrictions.

They are protection.

He knows the damage caused when intimacy is separated from faithfulness. He knows the wounds caused by betrayal, selfishness, lust, and broken promises.

And if we are honest, this commandment convicts all of us in some way—not only in actions, but in thoughts, words, desires, and the ways we view others.

Jesus makes that painfully clear when He says that lust itself is a violation of this commandment.

Which means this is not a commandment anyone keeps perfectly.

This is also where the Gospel becomes precious.

Jesus came for sinners—not for people with spotless records. He came to forgive sexual sin, relational failures, hidden shame, and everything we try to bury.

He does not excuse sin.

He forgives it.

And more than that, He restores. He teaches us a better way to live—not driven by selfish desire, but shaped by faithful love.

Because that is how Christ loves His Church.

Faithfully. Sacrificially. Completely.

And in Him, you are given a relationship with God that is good and right. God does not use you and abuse you. He truly loves you and has a real and deep relationship with you. Where we may misconstrue love and intimacy, God does not. He always loves perfectly, He knows you better than even you know yourself, and He invites you to know Him.

Let’s pray…

Lord Jesus,

Forgive me for the ways I have sinned in thought, word, and deed against this commandment. Teach me to live with purity, faithfulness, and love. Help me to honor others, protect them, and to reflect Your faithful love in my relationships.

Amen.

As part of your devotion time, I encourage you to also pray for at least some of the following:

• Your family
• Your local church
• Your pastor
• Some of your fellow church members
• The people on your B.L.E.S.S. list
• Your country and her leaders
• Your community

After praying for these people, you may want to finish your devotion time with the Lord’s Prayer…

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. They will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory, forever and every. Amen.