By: Amy Chandler

Have you ever needed a comeback? I know that I have, and more than just once. There’s a story in the Bible about a woman who also needed a comeback. She was the woman who was caught in adultery, and was brought before Jesus to be judged.

John 8:1 says, “ but Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. 2 At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. 3 The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group 4 and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5 In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” 6 They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him.”

Scripture goes on to say, “But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. 7 When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” 8 Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.

9 At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. 10 J esus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”

11 “No one, sir,” she said.
“Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”

W hat I love about this story is that it shows the heart of Jesus. He forgave the woman when the crowd was ready to stone her to death. She was shown grace, and forgiven for her sins. She was given a second chance to change her life. We are covered by that same grace. I share my story all the time about how through God’s grace, I left my life of active addiction. His grace set me free from being a slave to a drug. I am also no longer a captive of sin, shame, guilt, regret, anger, and hatred. If you feel trapped by any of those things, or something else, just know that His grace will set you free.

What I also take away from this story is that none of us are perfect. It is often easier to point out other people’s sins than to take a look at ourselves. With everything that is happening, I felt that it was important to address this issue too. I believe that we are expected to extend the same grace, and forgiveness to others that has been freely given to us. Even when we feel that they don’t deserve it, and also when they are not even

sorry. We cannot love God without loving other people. That means those who look, act, and believe differently than we do. Even I needed this message today!

2 Corinthians: 9A nd he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10T herefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

He loves you so much!