If we talk about pornography, we have all spent hours searching the internet, browsing through pictures and videos. We often feel alone at home, consumed by lust and tempted to engage in online activities that can lead to legal consequences. Soon enough, while intoxicated by the influence of these explicit images, there was a knock on the door. It’s the police, and they take us to the police station, gathering evidence to build a strong case against us. They have been monitoring our online searches for quite some time. The police have built a solid case against us, and we are destined for a life sentence in prison. The case becomes public, and many people are disgusted and hateful towards us. Finally, the evidence and the case are presented before the judge. As the judge looks around, they see the prosecutor with their case against us, as well as the people filled with hatred and disgust in their eyes. The pressure mounts, and the judge is compelled to deliver a verdict.
And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” (John 8:7).
Does that sound familiar? It’s the court where the Jews brought the woman caught in adultery, dragging her across the city to Jesus so he could judge her according to Moses’ law. Then, the crowd that had filled the courtroom disappeared, leaving only you and the judge. With a heart full of love, he says to you,
Jesus stood up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you? (John 8:10-11).
She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.”
Before we proceed, it’s important to acknowledge that judgment exists to uphold the fairness aspect of God’s love. But earth is not the location for judgment, at least as seen from a heavenly perspective. On Earth, the law may judge us and we have to bear the consequences of our own mistakes, but that is not what we should be afraid of.
But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him! (Luke 12:5).
Jesus came to save us, not to pass judgment on us; he doesn’t judge anyone.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. (John 3:17).
If anyone hears my words and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. (John 12:47).
The story of the “sinful woman” and Jesus is in Luke 7:36-50. It compares the woman’s sincere repentance to a Pharisee named Simon, who hosted Jesus in his house. Jesus knew the woman had many sins. When she cried at his feet without speaking, he told Simon who invited him to his house the following.
“Therefore, I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.” (Luke 7:47).
Forgive, and you will be forgiven
My dear, remember when we said that Jesus is looking for any reason to save you? He didn’t come to judge anyone. In fact, he takes it a step further. I say this while assuring you Jesus is the ultimate judge. Jesus wants love to be superior to judgment.
For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. (Matthew 6:14).
He wants us to remember this every day, so he includes it in the Lord’s Prayer.
and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. (Matthew 6:12).
As if Jesus were saying, If a man shows love and forgives another for the harm they have caused, then I am the ultimate love that will also forgive that man his sins.
Here is a hint: if you want to win God’s heart despite your struggles, if you want to secure eternity, have compassion for everyone, do not condemn anyone and forgive others. If you can do that, then I have faith in Jesus that he will forgive you for all your sins despite your struggle. As long as you keep trying and not stubbornly ignoring his voice, even if you fall short, He will not judge or condemn you, and these are his exact words with no conditions added.
“Judge not, and you will not be judged;
condemn not, and you will not be condemned;
forgive, and you will be forgiven
(Luke 6:37).
Sodom and Gomorrah
What cities are more wicked than Sodom and Gomorrah, where God, the ultimate judge, is about to execute His judgment? In Genesis 18:17, the Lord asks, “Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do?” Does God really need counsel? Yet, He allows Abraham to intercede for Sodom.
Of course, Abraham had heard about the wickedness of the people in those cities. When God told him His intention, Abraham could have simply asked for the life of his nephew Lot and his family only. However, Abraham asked for the lives of all the people in both cities. God was willing to forgive because Abraham forgave, but they couldn’t find 10 righteous persons.
We are familiar with the saying “What would Jesus do?” It’s like Jesus himself asks, “What would Abraham do?” If Abraham is forgiving and has a big heart, then surely God’s heart is even bigger than Abraham’s.
Jesus, driven by His love, is eager to forgive. He emphasizes this in the New Testament, making it the first subject He discusses with His disciples after His resurrection in their very first meeting.
Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you. And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.” (John 20:21-23).
He wants to assure them that our mission is to forgive sins, not judge people. There is a time and place for judgment, but that time is not on earth. Our current mission is to offer forgiveness to those who seek it.
But what about those who struggle in their battles? Is there any hope for them? Jesus, the ultimate embodiment of love, did not forget about those individuals.
He is asking for a heart that won’t resist or refuse him. He seeks such hearts, even if the body is sick. Jesus will send words like the one you reading now, or maybe some encouraging situations, or a spouse who wants to help. These situations, words, and any form of help you receive will become your friends in your struggle.
They will carry you to Jesus, just like the people who carried the paralytic man to him despite the crowd. Jesus sees a spark of light in you when you don’t resist or refuse the help he sends. Because of this, he will forgive your sins.
When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” (Mark 2:5).
Jesus will forgive sins for those who struggle, as long as they acknowledge their weaknesses and seek help. If those who assist them do so with faith in God, he is ready to uplift the sick person and, most importantly, forgive them for their sins. These are his teachings.
Invitation
Lastly, it is crucial to mention the following.
It is evident how God’s heart longs for forgiveness towards all of humanity and how He is willing to forgive all of your sins.
He extends His invitation to everyone.
“Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool. (Isaiah 1:18).
He has made the path to forgiveness incredibly simple and accessible for everyone, but his famous words continue to resonate.
He who has ears to hear, let him hear. (Matthew 11:15).
Judgement
When our time on this earth concludes and we are all gathered before Him, the one who showers us with love and provides us with the words of the bible as a testament, we cannot blame him for anything. It is at this very moment that we will grasp the deep truth expressed in Psalms 51:4.
That You may be found just when You speak,
And blameless when You judge. (Psalms 51:4).
At the time of judgment , we will stand before him and we cant blame him for judging us if we insist on ignoring his call and continue our dark path in sin and lust.
“Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. (Luke 12:32).
Have courage, as it will bring joy to your father to give you the kingdom. Let hope light the fire within you and motivate you to win this battle.
Win this battle.
