Neither Do I Condemn Thee by T. E. BOWEN

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 1, 1912

“Neither Do I Condemn Thee”

By T. E. BOWEN

T. E. BOWEN

THESE words spoken by the Saviour to a poor, trembling woman, when in justice, perhaps, she and others might have been condemned, contain an assurance great with hope. Who is there, when looking into his own heart, that can not see great reasons for condemnation by the sinless One? Our hearts almost cease beating as we get only a glimpse of our utter unworthiness. The death sentence might be spoken; but instead, the Master in the most tender love speaks the gracious words of life, “Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.”

There is something in condemnation, in censure and continual reproof, that is blighting. The effect is withering. In condemnation the soul feels bound as with fetters. Should the question “What is your soul’s greatest burden?” be put to many a wife and mother, she would tell you, if she were to reveal what was really within her inner heart, that which she feared above all else, that which caused her life at times to become a burden, was the cutting words of censure sometimes spoken by some loved one in the home. Or perhaps it is the husband who has them to endure, or the children.

Every one experiences at times the effect of cold, loveless words of censure. How they chill, how they wither us! Away from all this, in glorious contrast, come still to our hearts like music from afar, the blessed words of Jesus to Mary Magdalene, when trembling under the censure of those who had dragged her into the presence of Jesus for his condemnation, “Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.” While admitting the sin, by no means palliating that, its victim was set free. In the words, “Go, and sin no more,” there was power to enter upon a new life.

“The Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them.” Often in dealing with the erring and with our children, correction becomes necessary. If in such times we would remember our duty to point out the way, to emphasize that which Jesus emphasized, to weigh motives rather than to judge altogether by appearances, we would throw around the erring one a strong barrier for times of temptation ahead. It was the confidence Jesus placed in Mary that won her ever afterward to a blessed life of loyalty and devotion. Confidence at such a time as this—how blessed and assuring!

God is not tyrannical and exacting. His heart throbs with love for us. Like a thick cloud he blots out our sins. He has confidence in us. He sees possibilities in every trembling, trusting soul. Why not trust one another as he trusts us? Why be so exacting, so critical? Is it Christlike? What do we gain by thus holding one another to such strict account? Why not rather say, “Neither do I condemn thee,” and put confidence in one another? We are keepers of one another. It does make a difference in the lives of our loved ones how we think and speak of them. We can help to make them better. We can help them onto higher ground, where they will gain larger views, and experience more joy, even though for years they may have been in the Christian pathway.

And it is worth while. It may be like nursing a sick one back to life; but under the healthful influence of a fuller magnanimity of soul-confidence, the lives of a loved one in the home, in the church, will little by little expand into the fuller joys of the Christ life. And in the effort thus to help another, the same blessed sweetness will be revealed in our own hearts.

Is there anything more important than this for us? Is it not an experience needed in every life, in every home, in every church? Shall we not reach out, as did Mary, and lay hold by faith upon the Christ standing by our side with the power and grace and strength necessary to attain unto this blessed experience, each one for himself? In Christ it awaits us all.

Takoma Park, D. C.