A popular episode from Jesus’ life is when some religious people brought a woman caught in adultery to Him. This was a serious crime, condemned by the Ten Commandments. Jesus told the crowd, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first” (John 8:7).

Many people think this is the end of the story. How many times has someone caught in adultery, robbery or cheating quoted Jesus as if God’s forgiveness erases all standards of right and wrong? And without moral standards, no one has the right to judge anyone else.

But the last words of Jesus to this woman are often ignored: “Go and sin no more” (verse 11).

God’s forgiveness doesn’t erase the responsibility to know the difference between good and evil and to choose the good. God’s forgiveness frees us from destructive ways so we can learn the ways that lead to a better life.