Jesus said in Matthew 18:9, “If thine eye offend thee, pluck it out.” He wasn’t talking about hurting our bodies — He was talking about guarding our souls. The “eye” is what we look at, what we desire, what we let into our hearts. And sometimes, it’s the very thing we refuse to give up that’s keeping us from God.
Story There’s an old story about a trapper who set a knife in the snow, covered it with blood. The wolves came and licked that blade — the cold numbed their tongues — and though they were bleeding, they didn’t feel it… until it was too late.
Conclusion Sin can work the same way — it feels harmless at first, but it cuts deep. That’s why Jesus said, “Pluck it out.” Whatever keeps you from God — let it go. Because it’s better to lose what holds you back, than to lose the life God has waiting for you.
Prayer ? “Lord, help us see what offends You — and give us courage to let it go.”
