I'm posting twice in today as I missed yesterday's gospel reading...but I love this story and did not want to skip it...
"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)
Today, Jimmy and I drove up and down 9th street about 6 times looking for a prostitute who, in her heart of hearts, wants to leave her life of sin. First, she needs a photo ID, then the stamina to get into a recovery program (it's not as easy as it sounds ...lots of overwhelming red tape to fight through). Then she needs to get free from the poison her body craves. Then she needs strong friendship to see her through the inbetween times. She needs the heart to stick to clean and sober living. She needs a family around her. She needs dignified work, a marketable, healthy skill set, affordable housing...she needs a whole new life. It starts with her willingness and a photo ID...and friends.
We didn't find her....the abandoned house she was living in was raided and is being auctioned off next week. We'll try again tomorrow.
Who do you know that needs to hear that you do not condemn them? That Jesus does not condemn them? Love is the best motivator to leave our life of sin.
"...God's kindness leads you toward repentance..." (Romans 2:4)
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