ME NEITHER!

During a conversation with one of my soldiers today, I got a holy smack across the face. The story of the woman caught in adultery came up, and as I was talking that's when it happened. The Holy Spirit smacked me with a thought that the Church today desperately needs to hear.

After this woman's accusers left, Jesus asked her where they were. He asked her, "Has no one condemned you?". When the woman confirmed this Jesus, full of compassion and with amazing grace, responded, "Then neither do I condemn you".

What a tremendous lesson for today's church! I am sick of people citing Christians as the reason that they want nothing to do with the church. When all people get is judgmental condemnation, I don't blame them! As Gandhi said:

"I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ."

Jesus was full of compassion. The needs and hurts of others broke His heart. How dare we condemn people who don't know Christ?! If Jesus didn't condemn folks, WHO DO WE THINK WE ARE?!?

Jesus said, "Neither do I condemn you". I want to join Him and say, ME NEITHER! He doesn't condemn the sinner, ME NEITHER! He doesn't attempt to guilt people into a relationship with Him, ME NEITHER!

My challenge and my prayer for you is simple. PUT DOWN YOUR ROCK of condemnation and TAKE UP YOUR CROSS! Follow the example Jesus set and love people, treat them with grace, and help them understand how much Jesus loves them by demonstrating that love with your life.