In John 7-8, the Bible tells us of how the scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman before Jesus. She was said to have been caught in the very act of adultery. The Spirit, through John, specifically tells us they were trying to trap Him into saying something incriminating so they could bring charges against him (John 8:6).
However, the Master’s response to them was, “…He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her” (John 8:7). When they heard it, they all went away, disgruntled, leaving Him alone with the woman. When the woman’s accusers left, Jesus neither lashed out on her nor condemned her. Rather, He said to her, “…go, and sin no more” (John 8:11). How inspiring and comforting! His actions were ever so gracious. Also, consider when Peter denied Him after His arrest. To others, Peter should have been written off, not worthy to be called an apostle; but not with Jesus!
The third time He appeared to the disciples after His resurrection, He reinstated Peter. He asked Peter three times, “Do you love me?” to Peter’s affirmative responses, Jesus said, “Feed my sheep” (John 21:15-18). The Greek word translated “feed” in verses 15 and 16 aren’t the same. The first “feed” in verse 15 is “bosko” and it means to feed and keep the lambs.
But when Jesus repeated it in verse 16, He used a different Greek word “poimaino” which means to tend or to govern the sheep. Jesus didn’t say, “Peter, you’re such a disappointment; after all the miracles you saw with me and all your bragging that you’d follow me till the end, you still denied me. How can I even trust you, going forward?” No; He didn’t take Peter’s error to account.
Prayer
Dear Father, I’m inspired by your loving acts of forgiveness as shown in the Scriptures. I let your essence within me flow out like a stream, as I relate with others in love. I maintain a loving heart all the time, and continually enjoy the pleasantness in other people, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
