As a man who exists in the confines of time, I seek fellowship this morning with you, eternal triune of God that exists outside of time.
“Jesus stood up straight and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Did no one condemn you?” She replied, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “I do not condemn you either. Go, and from now on do not sin any more.” (John 8:10-11)
In this scene that takes place in front of the crowd ,stand two people who could not be more different from each other. One is a woman, the other a man. One who only minutes ago had committed a terrible sin, the other was sinless. One was completely human, the other was completely the eternal Son of God. And how does Jesus speak into this woman’s life, with words that can appear to be opposites as well, words of both of grace and truth. Words of grace spoken out of deep love, “I do not condemn you either” (v.11). I am not going to demand justice for your sin, the penalty of which was death by stoning. I am going to offer you mercy. Words of truth also spoken out of deep love, “Go and sin no more” (v11).What you have done and are involved in is a sin, stop doing it,
Jesus, your Gospel is one of grace and truth and you balanced and presented both grace and truth to everyone you encountered in a remarkable way. Salvation through grace is the gift you offered, “For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace” (John 1:16). Yet, you also always presented the complete truth to everyone you encountered on any sin they were committing or was present in their lifestyle. “For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished. Whoever then annuls one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven” (Matt 5:18-19).
Jesus, through your Holy Spirit help me also present this same Gospel. Help me not to demand justice when I encounter sin in a person’s life but offer grace. At the same time, help me to honestly confront the truth of sin I encounter in another’s lifestyle. This balance the church has always struggled to maintain, and I struggle with it as well. Help me to always speak truth into a persons life. Yet, remind me that though what I am saying is completely right, if I say it without love I am completely wrong.
My family, I pray today that you set aside time to listen to Jesus out of a place of deep love for you, speak both the grace and truth of His Gospel into your life. I pray you will receive them both, conform your life to them both, so you can balance and speak both grace and truth into the lives of those who’s paths you will cross as you go through your day, In Jesus’ name. Please pray the same for me. God bless you my friends!!!
Please share your reflections and prayers with us on this blog in the comment box below.
Gary Liederbach- Lead Follower
One Direction Community/Toney UMC
Email: garyl@onedirection.community
Website: https://www.onedirection.community
Facebook: One Direction Community-ODC
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