“’Then neither do I condemn you,’ Jesus declared.  ‘Go now and leave your life of sin.’”  John 8:11

I have made so many mistakes; my head fell in shame, I felt “dirty” inside.  I thought Jesus wanted to forgive me to “clean” me up because I was repulsive to Him.

In John chapter 8, the woman caught in adultery may have felt the same. The shame of public ridicule – the fear of death gripped her heart. While the men wanted to stone her, she appeared before Jesus for sentencing. Slowly, Jesus spoke to an attentive audience:  “If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.”  One by one, beginning with the oldest, the men retreated.

Compassionately, Jesus stood before her – the only One without sin who actually had the
“right” to throw the stone, but He didn’t. He asked, “Woman, where are they?  Has no one condemned you? … Then neither do I condemn you, … Go now and leave your life of sin.” (John 8:10-11).

I realized then that I have wrongly perceived God’s love. God loves us and wants to rescue us from harmful things that keep us in bondage. He forgives us and cleanses us to restore our broken relationship with Him and then He helps us to leave our life of sin and to faithfully follow Him in freedom.

The depth of His love rescues us from ourselves – He overlooks our sinful past and lovingly draws our hearts to Himself.  Jesus’ love transcends human understanding. Our perception or past never persuades or diminishes His unconditional and unfailing love for us.  

LORD, thank you for your everlasting love that has the power to rescue us from ourselves. I pray for the power and the wisdom to grasp the depth of your love. Help me leave my life of sin behind and follow You by Your power. 

Take Action 

Read John 8:1-11 and ponder the love of God revealed in this story of the woman caught in adultery. Pray for an opportunity to share your insights with someone who needs to hear about the depth of Jesus’ love.

 



Tags: Love sin forgiveness