Love covers all sin…but it doesn’t condone it.
“‘No one, Lord,’ she answered. ‘Then neither do I condemn you,’ Jesus declared. ‘Now go and sin no more.’” Jn 8:11 BSB
This woman must have been beside herself when she heard the gentle words of Jesus. I could almost see the expression of relief on her weary face. I can also see the look of compassion on our Savior’s face too. This exchange is both unreal, and so real, all at the same time. Jesus sets her free of the punishment that she deserved. She was not innocent here. She had broken the Law of Moses. She had grieved the heart of God. She had sinned…but the Love of God wins the day. His Mercy defeats His Wrath…but we are never to take advantage of it!
Jesus continues to speak compassionately to this woman as He commands her to “go and sin no more.” Yes, I said “command.” Perhaps our problem is that we still want to believe that everything Jesus said was merely a suggestion…if we feel like following…if we think it is reasonable…if we want to imitate Jesus and live a life of selfless sacrifice. Oh my Friends, this is not what is happening here! If this woman is grateful at all for the freedom she has received from Jesus, then she should do everything in her power to change her life to honor God. She should…and we should too!
Join me in memorizing 52 verses this year:
January: 1- Jn 3:16; 2- 2Co 5:17; 3- Jas 2:26; 4- Eph 2:10
February: 5- Jn 10:10; 6- Ro 6:23; 7- Rev 21:4; 8- Php 4:13
March: 9- 1Pe 5:7; 10- Jn 8:32; 11- Dt 30:19; 12- Jn 3:30; 13- 2Chron 20:3
April: 14- 2Chron 20:12; 15- 2Chron 20:15b; 16- 2Chron 20:17
May: 17- Ro 8:28; 18- 1Co 13:13; 19- Php 2:12; 20- Mt 5:4
June: 21- Lk 23:42; 22- Jas 4:7; 23- Pr 22:6; 24- Mt 5:3; 25- Jn 14:6
26- Jas 2:19
27- Dt 31:8
28- Jn 14:15
29- Jn 8:11
<>< Peace, Diane
