“If any one of you is without sin,
Let him be the first to throw a stone at her.” (1)
An uncomfortable silence flowed into each conscience;
Because the silence was too heavy,
One by one, the accusers turned to go.

Go and do not condemn another person
With religious commandments and authorities,
I tell you who oppress persons made in the image of God.

Do not harm human beings with religious name-calling;
The religious Law must keep human beings
From the worldly power which crushes their lives.

Do not oppress human beings with religious duties;
All religious duties must be the way of love and life;
The truth must set persons free. (2)

“Woman!
Where are they? Has no one condemned you?”
“No one, sir.”
“Then neither do I condemn you.
Go now and leave your life of sin.”

Rev. Yong Sub Sim


Poem based on John 8:9-11.

Notes:
(1) John 8:7
(2) John 8:32