ForgivenessSample

Which Way is the Finger Pointing?

Read the whole story in John 8:1–11

Put yourself in this woman’s situation. Can you imagine being caught in the act of a sin (substitute any sin, for don’t they all lead us down the same path if we don’t repent...James 1:15)? Your family, friends, fellow church members find you and are repulsed by and ashamed of you. They drag you out to the senior pastor and demand that you be punished because, after all, you were caught in the very act!

I love that for this woman, who was seriously expecting to be stoned as was the custom, Jesus’ first response was not one of anger or disgust, but rather a challenge for those bringing charges against her: "… let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone" (v7).

After all the accusers have walked away without throwing a single stone, Jesus’ beautiful words to this woman are an olive branch, an offering of forgiveness, and a chance at a new life! "Neither do I. Go and sin no more."

When we see people struggling with a sin or wrong decision-making, are we judging, condemning, hoping the person will be punished? Or are we turning the finger towards ourselves, asking God to examine our hearts and cleanse us of anything that doesn’t belong there? This week, it’s my prayer that we might all be able to practice the same self-examination that Jesus challenged these people with – and then extend forgiveness, just as we have been forgiven.

Written by BRITTANY GARCIA