Tidbits

Jesus freely forgave the woman caught in adultery but said...



John 8:11
...I do not condemn you either. Go on your way and from now on SIN NO MORE. 
AMP (Emphasis mine)


The only people He ever publicly rebuked were the self-righteously religious.  But on the cross He still said...



Luke 23:34
 ...Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.
AMP


What is there to learn from this? 


Mercy is not conditional or based on who is deserving.  It is not the freedom to continue in what we have been forgiven of.  It is for EVERYONE, ALL THE TIME.


And neither the secular world nor the church has accomplished this balance of forgiveness.


Should we have mercy for those who are full of remorse for what they've done and promise to never do it again?  Yes.  If they do it again, should we still have mercy for them?  Yes.  If someone has no remorse for what they've done, should we still forgive them and desire God's mercy for them as well?  Yes.


If Jesus didn't seek to condemn the sinner or the zealots who murdered Him, who is there left for us to seek condemnation for?





Rom 3:21-24


21 But now the righteousness of God has been revealed independently and altogether apart from the Law, although actually it is attested by the Law and the Prophets, 


22 Namely, the righteousness of God which comes by believing with personal trust and confident reliance on Jesus Christ (the Messiah). [And it is meant] for all who believe. For there is no distinction, 


23 Since all have sinned and are falling short of the honor and glory which God bestows and receives. 


24 [All] are justified and made upright and in right standing with God, freely and gratuitously by His grace (His unmerited favor and mercy), through the redemption which is [provided] in Christ Jesus, 
AMP