“Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” …

[Jesus] said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” …

“Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.” [John 8:4-5,7,10b-11 (NIV)]

Because none of the Pharisees or scribes were without sin, none dared to lift a stone against this woman. There was one person present that day, however, who was completely without sin: Jesus. Yet, he didn’t cast a stone; instead, he was filled with mercy. Lack of condemnation on his part, however, doesn’t mean that Jesus condoned or excused her sin; in fact he tells her to sin no more. We must never confuse God’s forgiveness and absolution of our sins with toleration of them.

Lord, remind us all to reflect on our sins before condemning others. May we always remember that you expect us to change our lives and leave our sinful ways so that we can walk in your holy way.

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. [John 3:17 (NIV)]