Verse for March 22nd
John 8.10,11
Jesus straightened up and said to her, ‘Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?’ She said, ‘No one, sir.’ And Jesus said, ‘Neither do I condemn you. Go your way, and from now on do not sin again.’
Thursday, 22 March
5: Transforming Gift
Forgiveness
A woman trapped in fear by angry men, stones in hand, ready to throw them, about to kill. First look at yourself says Jesus and they walk away. A gift of life for the woman, which at it’s heart is a gift of forgiveness.
Follow this link for the Bible passage
Pause
- Take time today … to look at yourself. Bring to God your anger and condemnation of others and your own need for forgiveness.
- Transforming Life … thank God for his forgiveness and seek his help to live without sin today.
Act
- Make time today … put down any ‘stones’ that you might feel like throwing at people.
Further ideas for children and families
Comments
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Unconditional forgiveness
This story has always impressed me. Christ was so gentle and forgiving with this woman, who was about to die, because as far as we know, she had committed adultery. It is easy to ‘pick up our stones’ when we are hurt or judged, but difficult to ‘put them down’ sincerely. I thank God for his constant forgiveness of my sins and failings, having come from a family of origin where no-one forgave anyone anything much. I cherish the fact that God knows me better than anyone and loves me for what he sees that I am.
22.03.12 / 12:54 / By Denise I
Forgiveness
Forgiveness is at the heart of our faith. We must love others as God loves us, and that means forgiveness. At times that does not come easily, but with God’s help it is achievable. What better example do we have than Jesus?
22.03.12 / 12:54 / By Keith Aldred
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Body language
The gospel author wrote that Jesus wrote in the dust to describe the body language of extremely courteous crouching before the woman (not her ccusers) and not looking at her. What the doodle/words written by Jesus were is irrelevant. He then straightened up to ask her, and illicit, compasssionately, the relevant direct Q&A. Then he tells all of us not to sin again as well.
23.03.12 / 08:58 / By MiichaelJameson