“Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, ‘Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?’ ‘No, Lord,’ she said. And Jesus said, ‘Neither do I. Go and sin no more.’” — John 8:10-11 NLT

“Sin no more.” These may sound like words of judgment, but if we pay attention to their context, they are not.

They are words of hope.

The hope that change is possible. The hope that it is within reach to relate to others in a healthy way again. The hope of finding a relationship that consists of true love and isn’t an escape from pain.

It is likely that this woman believed that real change was impossible. When we are in the middle of a pattern of bad decisions, it is typical to feel trapped and without escape.

But Jesus came close and gave her these words of hope: “You can live a different life.”

God’s will is “good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2 ESV). His love not only covers our sin but also gives us the ability to live the life he dreamed for us.

When Jesus tells us, “Go and sin no more,” that is an invitation to leave the past behind and pursue the abundant life that he offers us.

Here’s a simple prayer to carry with you today.

Breathe in: Jesus,
Breathe out: Do something new in me.