Forgiveness God's WaySample

Day 4: Who Is Without Sin?

Today, we will look at ourselves, and prayerfully, after seeing that we are not sinless, we will become more gracious toward and patient with those who offend us.

It is interesting that when the topic of forgiveness comes up, people often talk from the perspective of the offended — the wrong that was done to them. Often, very little, if any, attention is given to the fact that we are sometimes the offender. No one is without sin; we are all flawed; therefore, at some point in life, we all will offend someone.

When the woman was caught in adultery, it goes without question that she was guilty and worthy of punishment. Similarly, when a person wrongs us, they are guilty and are worthy of punishment. But note what Jesus did. Instead of exercising judgment, He exercised mercy. And He exercised mercy on the grounds that the people who so desperately wanted to stone the woman to death were themselves sinful, just like the woman.

Could this be telling you that you must exercise mercy toward your offender? Could this be a reminder that you, too, are sinful and have been forgiven by your loving Father; therefore, you ought to forgive your offender and not be so determined to see them punished for what they did?

The law of Moses commanded that a woman caught in such an act be stoned to death. So, rightfully, she should be punished. The Word of God (i.e., Hebrews 13:4; Matthew 5:28; Exodus 20:14) says adultery is a sin. Therefore, if your spouse commits this sin, they have wronged God first, then you, and they deserve punishment.

This could be a deep wound for the husband or wife; as such, the offended may feel they have the right to justice. But note what Jesus did. He brought it to the attention of those determined to execute the law that they are not without sin. No one knows what Jesus wrote in the dust with His finger. But while He was writing, the people urged to stone the woman to death kept asking Jesus what He had to say about the matter. It was then that Jesus “straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”" John 8:7b (NIV).

This woman's offense was not a personal assault against the crowd, so one could say this does not apply if someone wrongs them personally. They could argue that being wronged personally is entirely different from breaking the law of Moses or a command of God. The counsel here is that you must consider your ways before judging another or seeking justice or retribution.

It goes without saying that if we stop and think about how much we ourselves have sinned against God and our fellow brothers and sisters, we will be merciful to those who offend us.

Therefore, my advice as we close out today’s reading so that you can respond with love and grace to your offenders is to pray for a soft heart toward them. Pray that God will fill your heart with love for your enemies. Pray that out of the love of God in you, you will show mercy to others. Pray that in your gratitude to God for His mercy toward you, you will, in turn, show mercy toward those who wrong you. Read Romans 12:19. Ask the Lord to help you to leave things in His hands, no matter the offense. And when you ask Him, accept His help.