Intro: July 27th
A great relationship can be one of the greatest joys of life. Jesus set such a godly example relationally for us by loving everyone he came in contact with. Hi, this is Dorette Schaal with your dailyeword. From the account of the woman caught in adultery in John 8, we see a picture of forgiveness and reconciliation even in front of religious rulers who were trying to trap Jesus. As fellow travelers on this authentic relationship journey, we can make it to the finish line, as teammates and not adversaries. Here is your daily eword.
Receiving forgiveness, feeling acceptance, and having someone who bears your burdens is like having a soft place to fall. When we receive forgive, we say we won’t let a situation have a hold on to us anymore. When we offer forgiveness, we are humbling ourselves to accept responsibility for the wrongs we have done. When we accept people as they are, we are agreeing with God who does the very same thing. What a wonderful thing Jesus did for the woman caught in adultery. He had the opportunity to cast a stone at her, and he chose not to. Instead he offered her forgiveness, acceptance and told her to go on her way, and sin no more. When she received that kind of love, even in the midst of moral failure, this woman was given hope. When we respond in grace and mercy instead of judgment, we do the same thing. We have the opportunity to love people through the broken places of their lives. If they are already broken, they don’t need more judgment, they need love. Remember that God is the healer of all things broken. We can do the same as we are his hands and feet to a broken hurting world. It may even start in your own home. What a great place to offer forgiveness and acceptance.