Whenever I read the story of the woman caught in adultery, I get caught up in Jesus’ brilliant suggestion for the one without sin to cast the first stone (Jn. 8:7).

Today was different. When I read the story this time, I saw His mercy.

Jesus did not condemn the sinful woman. “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more” (Jn. 8:11).

The One qualified to condemn did not. Instead, He freed her not only from shame and condemnation but also from the power of the sin in her life. “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (Jn. 8:36).

What freedom that must have brought to a self-condemning heart!

And that’s the same freedom that should be evident in my own life and sometimes isn’t. I ignore Jesus’ words, believing that my own self-condemnation is greater than His promise. That His blood wasn’t worth the price of my sin.

That’s it, isn’t it? Unbelief masked as ongoing remorse.

Am I “free indeed”? Do I believe that there is truly “no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Rom. 8:1)?