MONDAY MEETING with Jesus and forgiveness

It’s Meet with Jesus Monday let's get right down to business.

John 8:1-11 tells us that a woman stood there amidst the circle of people and the darkness in her heart was revealed.  I don’t know if I could bear to have my dark messes known to the masses.  I am ashamed at how many times I try to cover it up and as I think about Jesus and how he handled this woman—this adulterer—my heart feels lighter.

Scripture says she was caught in the very act.  I do have a hard time thinking of myself as this woman…seeing myself as a victim seems a little more comfortable.  Yet, recently while studying the book of Hosea and re-reading the words in John 8, I see freedom again in admiting my wrongs and also the wrongs of another.  Are you burdened with the realization of your own wrong?

Receive Jesus’ forgiveness and turn away from your wrong

As I lean into my friend Jesus I find peace in the middle of my circle, aware of my ugly tendencies and free from oppression.  I can picture myself being this woman standing there with Jesus and encircled by scowling men and I picture Jesus' kind, loving, accepting eyes. 

He knows my tendencies and He knows how to handle the judgment that naturally comes from others when they are hurt and bothered by my ugliness. 

Are there consequences for our ugly acts?                                        …I believe so

Will we be tempted to feel down because our ugly acts?                …I think I can count on that

Can our ugliness be forgotten, pardoned, exonerated?                   …It already has!

Hear Jesus whisper this truth…see Him pointing out that NO ONE is left encircling or condemning you—

Sometimes we cause our own circle of accusations and condemnation in our head and even imagine others pointing their fingers and scowling—all inside our own heads.  If you are condemning yourself inside your own head right now—stop it!  Just stop it!  Nothing is changed and it is not made right by you torturing yourself.  Receive this free gift.

  

Hear what Jesus says, receive the love and forgiveness: ”Then neither do I condemn you…go now and leave your life of sin.” 

A princess knows that she makes mistakes and when she does make mistakes in her life she admits them and moves on—don’t let your tiara get caught in the snags of condemnation—and don't be fooled--a good princess is a repentant sinner, not a perfect anything.

See and accept Jesus and know that no one is pointing their finger at you, no one is condemning you--leave your sin behind and walk in His forgiveness.  You are forgiven.