For You From The Word
Jesus asked her, “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 8:10-11)
For You To Think About
Most young Christians are as sexually active as their non-Christian peers. 80 percent of unmarried evangelical young adults (18 to 29) said that they have had sex – just slightly less than 88 percent of all unmarried adults. Further, almost a third of evangelicals’ unplanned pregnancies end in abortion.
Is the church responsible for a young adult’s behavior? No. Each individual is responsible for his actions before God when he reaches the age of decision.
But in caring for these young people? Yes, the church is responsible to love them with grace. Even so, many of us fall short of that responsibility. Young adults with Christian experience say the church is not a place that allows them to express doubts. More than a third say they are not able “to ask my most pressing life questions in church” (36%). One-sixth of young Christians (17%) said they “have made mistakes and feel judged in church because of them.”
That’s not the model that Jesus demonstrated to those who struggled in the faith, such as the woman caught in adultery. Believers are indeed responsible. Not for condoning behavior that is unbiblical. But rather, for showing Christ’s unconditional grace and love.
For You To Pray
Gracious Father,
Move in Your people to demonstrate unconditional love and acceptance, especially today to young Christians who may be sexually active outside of marriage, become pregnant, or experience abortion. Let us abhor the sin but love the sinner. Begin with me.
In Jesus’ name, Amen