![]() |
“TEACHER, THIS WOMAN has been caught in the act of adultery” the Scribes and Pharisees told Jesus. “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her. Jesus looked up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and do not sin again.” Jn. 8:4, 7, 10-11. Do not be hopeless! Though God hates adultery, Jesus did not condemn the woman brought before him but warned her to sin no more. If God decides to show us his mercy and compassion, why should we hesitate to repent and be forgiven our sins? “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, they are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus” Rom. 3:23-24. So, if you have friends and relations who are saddled with the yoke of infidelity, you should endeavor to pray for their liberation, lest they increase in number and turn the society to Sodom and Gomorrah. If one finger touches oil, there is the likelihood that it will stain the rest. Do not drive other people to the sin of infidelity by example, words or the way you package yourself. “Things that make people fall into sin are bound to happen, but how terrible for the one who makes them happen! It would be better for him if a large millstone were tied round his neck and he were thrown into the sea than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin. So watch what you do!” Lk 17:1-3. An elderly woman, Iyabo in Ibadan, who lives with her second husband, does not see infidelity as a sin. Her first daughter died few years ago during abortion of a pregnancy she allegedly got through adultery. Iyabo’s second daughter now lives in Lagos with her third husband while her child, Ope 22, now has three children for three men. What a chain of negativism? Has it become ancestral curse in her linage? So, do not allow your children to inherit curses as a result of your uncontrolled sexual urge. Rather, leave a legacy for your children and those around you. If you cannot control your sexual urge, then go for deliverance to escape your afflictions. It is unusual for a man to go for dogs, goats, and little children. The spiritual aspect of our afflictions is greater than its physical. Wake up from your fall and come to your father, like a prodigal son. Go to Him like David, with evidence of remorse. Nathan reminded David the blessings God lavished on him. “This is what the Lord God of Israel says: ‘I made you king of Israel and rescued you from Saul. I gave you his kingdom and his wives; I made you king over Israel and Judah. Why then have you disobeyed my commands? You sinned in secret, but I will make this happen in broad day light for all Israel to see.” 2 Sam 12:7-9,12. So, David pleaded with God to forgive him his sin against Uriah’s family. The man who left his good wife for a woman of easy-virtue is like that man who ate a whole chicken but insisted on swallowing all he dug between his teeth with toothpick: he will never be satisfied. If you have cheated on your spouse, ask him/her for forgiveness and resolve to cheat no more. For the Lord has said, “Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you.” If your spouse cheats on you, and asks for forgiveness, forgive and pray for him/her. A spender who is lucky to marry a saver should thank God for the gift of his/her spouse. Come back to me with all your heart; don’t let fear keep us apart. Trees do bend though straight and tall, so must we, to others call. Long have I waited for your coming home to me and live deep anew life. Carry Landry. God wants us to come back to him each time we sin but we should not take him for granted. “Jesus said to the healed by the side of the pool, ‘Listen, you are well now; so stop sinning or something worse may happen to you” Jn. 5:14. Oh Lord, my God, we have committed adultery and now that we have returned to you, accept our plea and do not cast us away from your presence. Show us your mercy and compassion once again and admit us to your presence for the sake of the Lamb that was slain for our redemption. “You will be merciful to us once again. You will trample our sins underfoot and send them to the bottom of the sea. You will show your faithfulness and constant love to your people, the descendants of Abraham and of Jacob, as you promised our ancestors long ago” Mic 7:19-20. |
Copyright © 2024 Roman Catholic Diocese, Kano.