So if committing sin (in this case adultery, though this extends to all sin) is not merely limited to the offending body part, but rather sin can propagate from internal passions, then how does plucking an eye or cutting a hand resolve the issue? The answer: it doesn’t. It’s not meant to be interpreted literally. Rather, what it suggests is that we should remove from our lives that which is the occasion for our sin (the root of our unholiness) with urgency regardless of the immediate (psychological/emotional/mental) pain we may have to endure. It’s quite reminiscent of when Jesus said to “take up your cross”. It entails bearing corporeal suffering and sacrifice for the betterment of our spirit/soul and relationship with Jesus.27“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ 28 But I say to you, everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one of your members than to have your whole body thrown into Gehenna. 30 And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one of your members than to have your whole body go into Gehenna.