| Monday, April 07, 2003 Lenten Weekday |
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The following is, as usual, from The Word Among Us:
Neither do I condemn you, go and sin no more. (John 8:11)
Thank you, Jesus, that every day you love us with the same love you showed this poor woman. Among everyone present that day, you alone could have cast the first stone. But you didn't hold her sins against her. Thank you for seeing me in this same light. You don't love my sin, but you do love me. How incomprehensible is this love!
Jesus, your love is abounding in compassion. This woman knew she had sinned--perhaps she was even repentant--but she received nothing but ridicule and scorn from the scribes and elders. While they insisted on justice untempered by mercy, you lavished mercy upon her. When you told this woman, "Go and sin no more," you gave her the ability to let go of a dark area of her life. Thank you that you desire to do the same for us. No sin is too great for you to conquer! No darkness falls outside the power and light of your love! When you convict us of sin, you also offer complete forgiveness. Such a combination makes our hearts burn with joy and fills us with a desire to walk away from sin and into the light of your presence.
Lord Jesus, strengthen our hearts and minds to resist the taunts and accusations of the devil. Help us to close our ears to his ridicule and to run instead to receive you for wisdom and encouragement. Your love convicts in a way that doesn't condemn. It separates us from all that does not honor you. It convinces us that we can experience life to the full in your presence. Your love proves to us that we can walk with you at every moment of our lives.
"Jesus, I love you with all my heart. Let the fire of your love burn in me. Send your Holy Spirit to guide me in your paths of righteousness. I know I fall short many times. But with my sister, the adulterous woman, I rejoice in your mercy, love, and compassion."
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God bless.
AC
