In Matthew 5:27-28, Jesus says, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” Similar to Jesus’ words about murder and anger, Jesus teaches that restrained actions aren’t all there is to purity—a transformed heart is also essential.
Sadly, adultery is an oft-committed offense, but it’s also understood to be wrong and evil. But Jesus reminds us that even if we abstain from the actual act of adultery, it doesn’t mean we are pure. If we allow ourselves to lust—if we harbor illicit thoughts and adulterous desires, we are as guilty in God’s eyes as if we committed the act. That doesn’t mean we should go ahead and commit the sin—it means we must be aware of our thoughts and work to purify not only our actions but our hearts and minds as well!