Straightening up, Jesus said to her, “Woman, where are [your accusers]? Did no one condemn you?” She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “I do not condemn you, either. Go. From now on, sin no more.” (John 8:10–11)
Sometimes the church gets this backward. We say, “Look, if you’re willing to change your life, then you can experience the love of Christ. Change your life first, and then you can be welcomed here.” But Jesus is saying, “I’ve forgiven you; now change your life.” When someone realizes that he has literally been saved from the penalty of his sin, his life will never be the same.
Our responsibility is to reach out to those who are broken and in need of a Savior. When someone trusts their life to Christ, their life is made new. A new life means a changed life. The labels are gone. The shame is gone. The guilt is gone. She is a new creation. And in gratitude for this incredible gift, there is an inner desire to change and live in a way that pleases God.
