‘We can thrive again as we have done after tough times before’

From Friday, we are to wear masks when shopping. My wife seems happy about me wearing a mask. My children are happy, they seem to think I can be embarrassing when we are out. I have no idea what they mean!

It may take some time to fully realise the toll corona has taken on the world. We will be in recovery for years, certainly as far as our economy goes.

We must try to resist the temptation to blame this one and that one. We have come through many terrible times thriving at the other side. Lockdown has brought many good news stories and examples of our better nature.

Jesus teaches that no-one is perfect and doesn’t condemn any of us. He asks us to leave the life of condemnation, the bitter and critical mindset and allow Him to lead us to a better life.

The story of the woman ‘caught in the act’ is the perfect story of how Jesus deals with everyone. The story is unfair on the woman. Where was the man she was ‘caught in the act’ with? The motives of those who ‘caught’ her where less than open and honest. The woman was to suffer for their agenda.

Jesus calmly and gently taught them a lesson about their own failings and reached out to the woman showing her grace and dignity. He invited her to leave the way of life that got her into that predicament and offered her a better way.

Yes, these times have been tough, there are tough days ahead. As always with humanity, we ignore God and the better way he offers. We paint him negatively with misunderstood concepts of His word. We mess things up. As always, He is there. Not with condemnation, but with love.

If I were to invite you to the greatest party ever, with the opportunity to discover a tremendous future while there, would you come? What if I sent you directions and you ignore them because you know a better way, an easier and quicker way. How would you feel when you got lost, or were overcome with hazards you didn’t realise were there? Whose fault would it be that you missed out? Who would you blame?

Jesus offers all that and more. We just need follow his directions to the better life, better future and the better way.