Jesus stood up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.”
John 8:10-11
Like others, I have been hurt and wronged by individuals with selfish intent. This morning, I considered the need to forgive them as I hold myself prisoner to anger or sadness. When we determine to forgive others, we must also choose to release the emotional reaction of what the offense brought out in us.
So, I prayed and asked God for help. I expected to hear a particular word on forgiveness; however, this is what I received.
“Go, and sin no more.”
A reminder of my imperfection and need to walk the line. It is a God who loves us that would identify our sins before addressing the sins of others against us. Why would he do this? Because sin separates us from God. He doesn’t want our relationship severed by heated emotions and thoughts. Our good Father will get in our faces about the real issue before he handles our hurt feelings, which eventually become idols when left unhealed.
I came with intentional hope to remove strongholds of bitterness, yet God gave me the story of a lady who committed adultery. John 8 says after Jesus told the crowd those without sin could throw the first stone, they disbursed beginning with the oldest, who would also be the wiser group. Life and experience make this true. I imagine the younger folks, stones in hand, looking around wondering why they are walking away and giving in. Can you envision today’s rebellion and whining at the thought?
At that moment, the people released their sin of judgment. Wanting to point out the sins of others is a common theme throughout time. We signal their faults and sins while secretly harboring our own. God isn’t interested in petty sibling rivalry. Our individual relationship will always be His priority.
God loves you. He isn’t particularly concerned about our hurt feelings as he is our sinful heart. He knows when we look in the mirror and examine our sins and setbacks, we have no space for the offenses of others. Self-reflection will always soften the sharp edges of bitterness, anger, revenge, and control.
Forgive others. Release the hurt or repetitive thoughts of what they did to you. It is more about what you are doing to yourself in the aftermath of their offense. It was always about personal release into surrender to live a more righteous life, according to God’s will.
What do you need to release today?
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