In the New Testament, there’s a story about a woman who was caught in the act of adultery. The religious leaders of the time had already condemned her in their minds, and their law said that she should be stoned. Out of curiosity, they brought her to Jesus to see what He would do, but Jesus surprised them all with His response to the situation. Instead of condemning the woman, Jesus showed love and compassion to her. In fact, He turned the whole situation around when He said to the crowd, “You who are without sin, throw the first stone” (See John 8:1–11). The woman’s accusers walked away one by one. Jesus turned to the woman and asked, “Where are your accusers? Does anyone condemn you now?” She answered, “No one, Lord.” Then, Jesus said something very profound, something that gives us insight into His heart for us. He said, “Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more.” God was in essence saying, “I don’t put my stamp of approval on condemnation. That’s not what I’m about. I came to set you free.”

Maybe you’ve encountered people who want to accuse you and “throw rocks” at you, but that’s not God. He’s never going to throw rocks at you or try to push you down. He loves you and wants to empower you to live in freedom, to live a better life. Maybe you’ve made some mistakes, maybe you’ve done some things you’re not proud of, or maybe you’ve been hurt by someone who threw rocks at you. Today is your day to let go of that hurt and open your heart to receive God’s love and forgiveness.

Remember, as long as we live, there will be accusing voices. The faultfinders and rock throwers will always be there. When the negative voices come, we can believe them and stay stuck in condemnation, or we can choose to believe God and walk in freedom knowing that we’re forgiven, accepted and approved by God. It’s up to us to cast the deciding vote for either freedom or condemnation; faith or fear; love or bitterness.

My prayer for you today is that you will understand your value and truly see what God has given you and what you have to offer others. Life is too short and too precious to waste a single moment in fear and condemnation. Instead, take captive every negative thought and choose to dwell on the truth of God’s Word. Place your hope and confidence in Him so you can live in His everlasting freedom far above and beyond the accusing voices of this world.

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1, NIV).