One woman.
Exposed. Humiliated. Alone.
Thrown in the dirt by those who call themselves religious.
In her weakest, most needy moment, she received nothing but judgment and certain death. These were the men who prided themselves in being God’s chosen. They paraded around in their “goodness,” and yet in her moment of trouble, there was nothing truly good in how they treated her.
This woman caught in adultry, though gulity, was in need of something greater than judgment.
She needed mercy. Forgiveness.
Jesus saw beyond her sins and her scars and chose mercy.
My husband has this saying, a twist on an original, that goes: “Everyone wants to be a Christian, until it’s time to do Christian things.”
How often do we play the “Christian” game, parading around in our standards and “goodness,” and yet miss the very mission of Christ? He went out of His way for the broken, sick, and unwanted. Do we?
It’s not always easy to look past a personal affront and see the hurting soul, but it is easy to be offended.
It’s not always easy to have understanding, but it is easy to assume we are right.
It’s not always easy to meet sin with compassion, but it is easy to pass judgment.
Mercy isn’t always easy. Forgiveness certainly isn’t either.
But Christ has called us – not to the easy – but to love even when it is hard. And that is where we will find true fulfillment.
Let’s not be guilty of wanting to be a Christian, but not wanting to do the Christian thing.
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Great post Savannah. We are to love and pray for those that hate us. “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you. Matthew 5:44 It’s not the easiest thing to do but it is what Jesus said, and He lived it. He led by example because He gave His life for every one that was listed in that verse. Praise God, and great post. LORD, I ask you to bless Savannah 🙂
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You’re right Margaret, it certainly isnt the easiest thing to do, but we truly have One who has been there and can help us through. Thank you so much! 💗
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Yes we do have Him Praise God!
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I ask God each morning during my quiet time with Him to guide my feet in His Will, to help me meet who He wants me to meet, tell me what He wants me to say, help me be all He made me to be, and show me what He wants me to do as I walk in His Way. God is good – and as I tune in to His Spirit, He indeed leads me. Yes, I WANT to be a Christian! Like you, I rejoice in hope. Thank you for visiting JanBeek as we navigate this challenging world together.
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That’s a great prayer, and one I definitely should be praying about too! Hugs Jan! 💗
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Yes! Like the book of James, love with boots on, in action. The book of Acts is all about that. I likened it to my reading a bunch of books on gardening because I enjoyed them so much. But, I never put in a garden (apartment living). so I never planted or reaped fruit.
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That’s a good illustration! Yes, faith without works is dead. James is a great book to read, especially for new believers – it’s full of practical truths. Thanks Kathy!
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Good word! Never be afraid to be bold👍
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Thank you so much! 💗
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Boom!!!! Food for thought this!!!
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Aw thank you! It certainly is!
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Oooh! I love your husband’s quote. When the chips are down, we are called on to ACT like Christians!
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Thanks Laurie, I think the original quote is something about gangsters from a movie or something 😂 but I agree, it is something to think about!
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Well said! He has called us to love not to judge. It’s not our position to condemn and castigate.
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Thank you! We are an extension of Jesus to the world, and should act accordingly! 💗
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I do agree… there are elements of world society who are closed minded and use religion to justify passing judgement, etc on others, whatever that might be… one of a number of reasons why I am not into religion.. 🙂 at my late wife’s passing, the chaplain ask her if she had a religion, she answered “No”,he then ask her if she believed in the hereafter, she said “Yes”.. he said “good, it’s what is in the heart that matters, not a name above a door”… 🙂
“I would rather have a mind opened by wonder than one closed by belief” Gerry Spence
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“Love when it is hard”, one thousand times yes! Great post with so many truths. When we are in the valley and our faith is put to the test a heart-check can reveal so much about us. Wonderful post, thanks 🙂
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Thanks so much Kelly! It is in those hardest, darkest times that the light inside shines through. It’s a hard one but a necessary one! Hugs 💗
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Savannah, I nominated you for the Quote Me Challenge. 😊 No pressure, no obligation!
https://maggietiggles.wordpress.com/2018/11/19/3-2-1-quote-me-challenge-freedom/
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Aw thank you so much for thinking of me! 😍
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What a powerful post. May we see others and even ourselves through the eyes of Jesus. Thank you for taking us to that place through your writing.
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Aw thanks Melissa, yes it is definitely a challenge to us all. Hugs!
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