Who's blaming you?...by Janet Perez Eckles

One morning as Jesus sat in the temple teaching the crowd, religious leaders devised a plan to trap Him. A woman, caught in adultery, was forced to stand before everyone. Feigning piety, they asked, "In the Law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?"

Jesus bent down and wrote on the ground with his finger, but they kept questioning him. He looked at them and said, If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her. He again wrote on the ground.

Those who heard left one at a time, until only Jesus and the woman remained. Jesus looked up and asked, 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. (see John 8:2-11)

Few forget this scene of forgiveness. Few miss the profound compassion Jesus displays. But many, like me, can't let go of feelings of guilt, shame, or self-condemnation.

I have no episodes of adultery in my bio, but it sure is dotted with moments when I failed, missed my duty, or disappointed others.

Recently I simply missed a deadline for a monthly task. Without hesitation, I flogged myself emotionally. Such an easy task--to turn in a devotional--and I totally missed the assignment.

Then lifting my head, I gave a silly grin. And I found that Jesus was still smiling at me with love. Imagine that. Of course.

Jesus came to set us free from the rocks of shame we ourselves drop on our heads.

That's why He said to her and to us, Go and sin no more. Stay away from the sin of chastising and putting on more burdens of self-condemnation.

The crowd dropped their rocks and walked away. Good move. I'll do the same. Instead I'll sing praises for His compassion during my flaws and failures.