HE DOES NOT CONDEMN YOU ~ Precious Victor Akah

"Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on do not sin anymore.” John 8:11

This was Jesus' response to a woman caught in adultery, whom the religious leaders brought to Him, expecting condemnation. To their astonishment, Jesus chose mercy instead. Why?  

As John 3:17 reminds us, "God did not send his Son (Jesus) into the world to condemn its people. He sent him to save them!" 

It is disheartening to see some Christians fall into sin and subsequently condemn themselves, believing that God is angry with them and no longer desires a relationship with them. This self-condemnation then leads them to abandon their faith in Christ and sink deeper into sin.  

Tragically, some even take their own lives after succumbing to shameful acts they never thought they could commit, feeling irredeemably condemned.  

If Jesus did not condemn the woman caught in adultery, then why do you think He has condemned you for fornicating, watching pornography, or even committing adultery? Why assume that He has severed His relationship with you? Why believe that His love for you has vanished and that He is furious with you?  

He told the adulterous woman to "go and sin no more." This is precisely what He is saying to you now: "YOU ARE FORGIVEN. GO AND SIN NO MORE, MY CHILD." Embrace these words, believe them, and allow yourself to smile again. Free yourself from guilt and shame, and continue striving for righteousness. Be joyful and peaceful, leaving the past behind.  

Always remember this: the moment you realize you've sinned, resist the urge to condemn yourself. Instead, rise up and run to God in prayer for mercy. Seek His forgiveness, accept it wholeheartedly, and commit to living a righteous life.

Are you currently living in sin because you've condemned yourself to believe that God cannot forgive you?  

Are you troubled day and night by a sin that steals your joy and robs you of peace?  

Have you distanced yourself from Jesus and abandoned your faith due to a "grave" sin?  

Whether you are guilty of adultery, fornication, lying, deceit, stealing, murder, or any immoral act, know this: GOD DOES NOT CONDEMN YOU. If God does not condemn you, then the mockery, ridicule, and contempt from people are inconsequential. Remember, those who accuse you may also be grappling with their own sins, just as the accusers of the adulterous woman did.  

Take a moment to kneel and ask God for forgiveness and mercy for your sins against Him. Accept the forgiveness He has promised you in 1 John 1:9. Receive grace from the Holy Spirit to lead a righteous life from this day forward.  

You can live righteously because you carry the seed of God within you, and you CANNOT sin (1 John 3:9). 

Enjoy the peace and mercy of God.