From Each and Every One

Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.

(John 8:11)

Jesus knew she was guilty.

Everyone knew it.

Caught in the act

of adultery,

a sin so grievous,

so shameful,

the Law of Moses

demanded

she die.

Yet Jesus –

God from God,

Light from Light –

told her,

“Neither do I condemn you.

Go and sin no more.”

Sometimes I think we think

God stands at the edge of heaven

watching,

waiting for us

to do wrong

so He can “get” us,

so He can smack us to the ground.

Give us cancer.

Kill our child.

Take our home.

Teach us a lesson.

Show us who’s boss.

We expect Him to say,

with ominous warning in His voice,

“Go and sin no more.”

But who expects Him
to preface it with,

“I don’t condemn you”?

Christ’s comforting word

to a woman

worthy of death

reminds me

God does not watch

and wait
for a chance to

whip us.

He watches

without condemnation,

He waits,

without revenge,

hoping that we,

in humility,

repent.

As St. John promised,

if we confess our sins,

God will forgive our sins

and cleanse us

from each –

from every –

one.*

No matter how

grievous,

or shameful

it is.

*1 John 1:9