neither do I

One of the best stories of God's mercy and forgiveness is in today's reading from the One Year Bible, which we find in John 8:1-20. You know the story. Jesus is speaking, teaching the crowd, when religious leaders bring a woman caught in adultery and throw her down before Him. They ask if she should be stoned. Notice Jesus doesn't say, "She's innocent" or "It's OK, let's forget about it." He says, "OK." He agrees that what she has done is wrong. But then He adds the clincher, the words that bring us hope throughout the centuries. "But let whoever is without sin throw the first stone."

The old guys know how sinful they are, so they slip away first. Finally even the young fanatical guys who aren't old enough to be so acquainted with their sins leave. In the end, it's just Jesus and the woman.

Notice: Jesus COULD throw the first stone. He is without sin. So when He asks, "Where are your accusers?" and she through tears (you know there were tears) says, "No one, Lord," His reply is that much more profound. He says, "NEITHER do I condemn you."

In other words, they couldn't condemn her, because it would have been hypocrisy. But He could have, and chose not to.

He chooses not to condemn you, either. He knows your sins. He's well aware of your shortcomings. But neither does He condemn you. When He says, "Go and sin no more," He's not saying "I'll forgive you this time, but you better get your stuff together!" He's saying "I forgive you, and I want you to have a full and abundant life, which sin keeps you from. So stay away from what hurts you, and live in my love."

That's what He tells all of us.

God, thanks for Your amazing forgiveness. Help us live in Your love.