This is part 4 of a 5-part series. View the entire series here.
When the accusers heard this, they slipped away one by one, beginning with the oldest, until only Jesus was left in the middle of the crowd with the woman. Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, “Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?” “No, Lord,” she said. And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.” – John 8:9-11 NLT
When our pain is brought on by our own doing, it can be hard to see the silver lining. I deserve this, we whisper to ourselves. It would be selfish to look for the silver lining…I did this to myself.
The sense of guilt tells us we’re not allowed to look for hope. It spits venom into our ears: “You gave up the chance for hope when you chose sin.” The condemnation pushes us back down to our pit of despair and self-loathing. Out of eyesight from the impending judgment of others, to be sure. But also, unable to see the silver lining that might be waiting just on the other side…
But God meets us in the dirt—the times we find ourselves face down in utter humiliation. Thrown against the rocks in rejection. Cowering and sobbing in our brokenness. It’s an ugly scene. But after all, we’re the very reason we find ourselves there to begin with.
Imagine being the woman caught in adultery. No leg to stand on. You welcomed licentiousness into your life, and now you bear the weight of the havoc it always wreaks. As the accusers tower over you, a Stranger calmly siddles up beside you. He kneels down, but not to say, “I told you so.” His eyes aren’t plastered with anger. His brow isn’t furrowed in disappointment. He writes in the dirt and the dark clouds of an angry mob begin to drift. And as they do, the silver lining appears…
His hand touches your shoulder, reminding you that He is near. He stands to His feet, reminding you that this moment won’t last forever. His voice beckons you to look around—away from the dirt and onto something better: a chance to start over. He speaks; His promise quiets your mind and excites your heart.
“The crowds are gone and they won’t be condemning you. And neither will I. Get up, go and live your life, and sin no more” [paraphrased].
He doesn’t ignore your sin. Nor does He hold it against you. He identifies it for what it is as you experience the consequences. Not to berate or belittle you. But to help you learn that sin hurts. And beyond that, to offer you forgiveness and a fresh start.
When we’ve become our own worst enemy, God shows us the silver lining: our lowest moments can be met with the greatest of compassion that draws us closer to His grace.
If you’re face down in the dirt watching your tears turn into mud, look up. Jesus stands by your side. Not to condemn, but to love. Put your sin behind you and—mercy in hand—start living in freedom.
A Prayer for Freedom
Gracious Lord, I can often feel so trapped by my sin. I struggle with releasing my guilt. But I know that You paid the penalty for my sins so that I can be forgiven. Help me to turn from my sin and turn my eyes toward You. I love You because You first loved me. In Jesus’ name, amen.
