Joel M Bradshaw

 43If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell, where the fire never goes out.–Mark 9

BOUNDARIES: Jesus said “your hand.” You may have been hurt by someone else, but your job is not to punish them. Your job is also not to focus on the sin of other people to the point that you forget your own or begin to rationalize or compare. You focus on any sin in your own life.

HABITS: We use our hands every day. Jesus was making a point about the daily, routine nature of sin. Your sinful habits are noticed by Jesus and they will be punished unless they are dealt with.

SERIOUS: Jesus was using hyperbole. Don’t go cutting off body parts. Instead, take your sin seriously. Jesus’ point about Hell is still valid. Some people don’t want to change and still think they can follow Jesus. Hypocrisy lies to us.

Own your sin. Get biblical help. Pursue appropriate accountability.–JMB