Even though the girl knew God’s ideas about dating, she didn’t listen. Now that her innocence is gone, why would she try to keep walking in God’s ways? Is it even possible to go back?
There are numerous examples in the Bible of lives that were shattered by sin. For example, there was David and Bathsheba, or the adulterous woman in John 8. But the story of the Samaritan woman mirrors how many people think today. Jesus said, “The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true.” (John 4:18 NIV). Several Bible commentaries agree that the Samaritan woman wasn’t a widow five times. It’s not impossible, but the commentaries assume that it’s more plausible that she was divorced as much as she was a widow. Then she finally ended up in common law relationship.
Like many of us, she probably grew up believing that she would be married to the man of her dreams forever, but after one mistake, she added another one, and another one, until she reached the point of no return. Today there are Christians who had sex before marriage and throw in the towel to sink deeper into sin. Eventually, they live together without being married or have repeat adventures. “The damage is done anyway… If I sin, I might as well go merrily… I’ve crossed the line…” Phrases like that maybe aren’t said out loud, but they describe the defeatist attitude several Christians have after their fall.
Is it possible to go back? Yes, it is! Jesus said to the adulterous woman: “I also don’t judge you guilty. You may go now, but don’t sin any more.” (John 8.11B NCV). In 1 John 1.9 (NIV) we have a beautiful promise: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” Yes, God can give you a new life, you can start again in His ways as if nothing had happened. “Come now, let us settle the matter, says the Lord. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.” (Isaiah 1.18 NIV).
Even though God’s forgiveness is complete, we need another essential ingredient to again be able to walk in holiness: to forgive ourselves. We must accept the new life that God gives us. Forgiving ourselves means we recognize our mistakes, and we show ourselves enough compassion not to condemn ourselves. If God is willing to forgive us, who are we to continue to blame ourselves? We must put aside our pride and accept this unmerited grace to enter the life of Christ. It’s not too late to start. Christ agreed to die on the cross so that we don’t have to suffer the consequences of our sins. So let’s accept His forgiveness, let’s forgive ourselves, and his sacrifice will not have been in vain.