DAY 12 - Today’s devotional was written by Joy, Co-Leader of RLM, and today’s reading is: John 8-10. Jesus says “yes” to forgiveness and asks us to say “yes” too.
“Now the scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman caught in the act of adultery, and after placing her in the center [of the courtyard,] they said to Him, "Teacher, this woman has been caught in the very act of committing adultery. "Now in the Law, Moses commanded us to stone such women; what then do You say?" Now they were saying this to test Him, so that they might have [grounds for] accusing Him. But Jesus stooped down and with His finger wrote on the ground. When they persisted in asking Him, He straightened up and said to them, "He who is without sin among you, let him [be the] first to throw a stone at her." ... And straightening up, Jesus said to her, "Woman, where are they? Did no one condemn you?" She said, "No one, Lord." And Jesus said, "I do not condemn you, either. Go. From now on do not sin any longer." [John 8:3-7, 10-11 NASB20]
“This woman has been caught in the very act of adultery." My question is, how was she caught? And who was she with? Interesting how self-righteous the Pharisees were, judging others when they were probably doing the same stuff. The fact is, they weren’t interested in learning from Jesus by asking the question. They were interested in creating a case against Him. I think sometimes our questions might be for the same reason. Questions like “How can a loving God allow ‘such and such’ to happen”? Or maybe we ask, “If God loves me, how can He expect me to forgive what that person did to me?” God doesn't mind a true question designed to help us understand His ways, but He will not be mocked (Galatians 6:7). Jesus chooses to forgive the woman caught in adultery and He made it perfectly clear that we are in no position to refuse to forgive.
If you are struggling with forgiveness look to Jesus, the person you need to forgive will never deserve it or be able to make up for what they have done. But if you look to Jesus, He always deserves us to forgive others, because He has forgiven us so much. Let Jesus comfort you in your grief and then let Him take that grief and empower you to forgive.
1. Spend time thinking about the forgiveness you have received and what a blessing it is to experience the power to forgive others.
2. Ask Holy Spirit if there is anyone you need to forgive and pray this simple prayer… "Father, I thank you for your forgiveness through the blood of Jesus. I know I need to choose to forgive others based on the forgiveness that You have given me. So I choose to forgive (insert their name) for (insert their action needing to be forgiven) and the long term effects they have had on me. Forgive me Jesus, for any bitterness, anger, malice, revenge, murder or hatred in my heart. I ask you to bless (insert name) with (insert what you would like them to receive from the Lord)."
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REMEMBER: Click the 'WR21 DETAILS' button for a list of the various ways we are fasting in preparation for Pentecost.