What steps can we take to uphold the principle in Leviticus 18:20? Leviticus 18:20—God’s Call to Sexual Fidelity “ ‘You are not to lie carnally with your neighbor’s wife and thus defile yourself with her.’ ” (Leviticus 18:20) Anchor Your Convictions in Scripture • Understand that God protects marriage for our good (Genesis 2:24; Hebrews 13:4). • Receive Jesus’ heart-level standard: “Everyone who looks at a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matthew 5:28). • Recognize sexual sin as serious before God (1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Revelation 21:8). Guard the Mind and the Eyes • Make a covenant like Job: “I have made a covenant with my eyes” (Job 31:1). • Filter entertainment—avoid media that normalizes infidelity. • Redirect wandering thoughts with Scripture memorization (Psalm 119:11). Strengthen Your Marriage Covenant • Invest intentional time together—date nights, shared prayer, open conversation (Ephesians 5:25-33). • Cultivate physical intimacy God’s way: “Rejoice in the wife of your youth” (Proverbs 5:18-19). • Resolve conflicts quickly (Ephesians 4:26-27) so bitterness does not open doors to temptation. Walk in Accountability and Community • Invite a mature believer of the same gender to ask hard questions regularly (Proverbs 27:17). • Keep digital devices transparent—shared passwords, filtered internet. • Stay visible: avoid prolonged private settings with someone else’s spouse (Proverbs 7:6-23 contrasts secrecy with wisdom). Pursue Holiness in All Relationships • Treat every person with family-level honor (1 Timothy 5:1-2). • Practice fleeing rather than flirting with temptation: “Flee from sexual immorality” (1 Corinthians 6:18). • Replace idle time with service and productive work (Ephesians 5:15-16). Teach and Model Purity to the Next Generation • Speak candidly at age-appropriate levels about God’s design (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). • Demonstrate affection and respect within marriage so children see fidelity lived out. • Encourage youth to value their future spouse by maintaining purity now (1 Thessalonians 4:3-4). Keep the Gospel Central • Remember that Christ redeems and restores repentant sinners (1 John 1:9). • Stand firm by the Spirit’s power, not mere willpower (Galatians 5:16). • Offer grace to those who have fallen, guiding them back to obedience and wholeness (James 5:19-20). |
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