This week in the Sermon on the Mount, we looked at Jesus’ words on lust found in Matthew 5:27–32. Through this passage, we learned that Jesus is more interested in His followers pursuing the way of love and healing what lies beneath distorted sexual desire than merely addressing outward behavior.

We all come having been shaped by our own stories and experiences when it comes to the issue of lust and sexual desire. Knowing this, Jesus does not call us to hide in shame or shift responsibility onto others when our minds falter. He has a beautiful invitation for us—one of honesty, healing, community, and restoration through His unconditional grace and the power of the Holy Spirit.