Man, thinking about the gospel really does something to me. The love Jesus has bestowed on us and His forgiveness not just for us, but ironically so that we may go out into the world and be that loving and forgiving to those around us- and man is that difficult.
But to know, the magnitude of God's grace for us and that His love is a loving so sweet beyond comprehension. Thinking about the women "caught" in adultery in John 8 and brought to Jesus.... the Bible doesn't say her name but referes to her by her sin. I think this is symbolic not to define her by her sin but to show that Jesus forgave her inspite of the gravity of her sin- which is what she was referenced by. Yes, she was caught in her sin, but this story also beautifully captures that at the same time, she was also caught by Jesus' Grace. Man. ✨
Jesus makes a beautiful point really challenging us as to why the accusers felt so comfortable trying to condemn her as if they were sinless. Jesus states boldly "He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her." John 8: 7. And being convicted by their own humanity and conscience none did. I love this part to that if we were honest, and looked inward we see- none of us has right standing to point the finger at one another of sin committed, albeit hurtful because we all have or will fall short, and are even sinful by nature. There's a difference here between accountability and condemnation. They didn't want her redeemed they wanted her stoned. I really love this part too and affirms how kind Jesus is- in John 8:10 he ask "woman where are those thine accusers, hath no man condemned thee?" As in to say, you are not alone- all humanity is sinful! How kind of Jesus to affirm that principle to her 🥹🙏🏽 and those who accused her are no more clean. And more importantly, Jesus is still there assuring her of His grace.
I'm so so grateful for a redeeming God that loves us beyond our sin and flawed humanity. He says lovingly to the woman in John 8:11 "neither do I condemned thee: go and sin no more." That's the most beautiful part that Jesus bid that she still had more instore and that she can "go" and be free of her sin. Man!
Pair that with the truth revealed in Psalms 51, about the forgiveness of sins. There isn't anything I can write more revealing and inspiring than each verse of that scripture and I pray you'll take the time to rest in those.
So friends, I just want to encourage you, that whatever sin or darkness you're facing- especially those others have tried to use against you as evidence that you are unworthy of love or forgiveness or a second chance- can I encourage you that your Heavenly Father does! He's paid the ultimate price for you to live not only a forgiven life but a redeemed life. Not to excuse our sins, because He gave that women a command to "sin no more" But that we are not defined by our sins, and still so loved, oh so 🥰 loved in spite of them.
I'm so moved by the good news of the gospel, and at the same time ever convicted to walk more in love and in forgiveness myself of those around me.
You are loved by the Most high God. Forgive yourself. There is no darkness His light can't over come. So let that light encourage you, comfort you, propel you right into His arms. It's the sweetest place I know.
XoXo
If you enjoyed this post, you'll find encouragement in Keep Healing ✨
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