Meditation for Perfectionists – Monday May 11, 2026
No Condemnation
John 8:1-12: “Neither do I condemn you” (v.11).
“Look here, Jesus,” the church leaders said. “We caught this shameful woman in the act of adultery. Now what are you going to do about it?” Unlike them, Jesus did not use the same shaming techniques as the church leaders. Although he spoke of the woman’s sin, he did not deny her value as a human being. With a simple question from Jesus the church leaders became silent and walked away.
Jesus then turned to the hurting woman. “I forgive your behavior, but I do not shame or condemn you. Go and live in the freedom of your forgiveness.”
Some of us have lived with shame for many years. We operate from the underlying belief that who we are what we do isn’t okay. The unhealthy shame we feel camouflages who we really are and destroys our opportunity to grow.
On the other hand, healthy guilt, the consequence of going against our moral code, helps us to know who we are. We can then seek true forgiveness, resulting in growth and change.
Lord, help me learn not to accept
the unhealthy shame that others want to lay on me.
Thank you for forgiving me.
May the freedom I have found in your forgiveness
help me with my relationships.
Copyright Joan C. Webb
For more from Joan Webb visit www.joancwebb.com