Jesus Loves Well

Jesus, the only one without sin, could have easily condemned others for their sin. But, time and time again, as Jesus confronts the sin in someone’s life, He begins by loving the person. In loving the person, Jesus then sets them free from sin. He loves them right where they are, but He releases them to live a life of freedom. “Go and sin no more” was a common phrase Jesus gave to those who had been slaves to sin. He is not directing them to live a sin free life, but He is instructing them to trust that He has set them free – and whoever the Son sets free is free indeed. To “go and sin no more” is not a matter of self-discipline, or a matter of the will, but a receiving of the power Jesus gives to them in their forgiveness. They can indeed “go and sin no more.” not in their own strength, but in the strength of the Holy Spirit who sets them free.
Often we do not follow the model of Jesus in most situations. We begin by being critical of someone and what we determine is “sinful behavior.” We are perhaps offended by their “sin,” without taking a look at our own sinful nature. We begin from a place of judgment. We address the sin, we accuse and condemn, and we expect the person to change or stop their behavior. That kind of approach does not set the person free. Nor does it set free the one who is standing in judgment and condemning. Jesus did not come to condemn, but to save. We too, sinners in need of a Savior, are not in a place to come. When we love others well, even in their sinfulness, there is freedom, for us and them.