In Matthew chapter 9 Jesus came to Capernaum and they brought to Him a paralyzed man. Historians say that this man must have had syphilis which caused his paralysis. Therefore, he not only had to contend with his physical suffering, he also bore a stigma. Some of us are mainly recognized by the stigma attached to us. We perceive people by the situations and circumstances of their lives, whether past or present. We are quick to judge people. We are quick to bring people under the law. We are quick to accuse them. The Pharisees came to accuse the adulterous woman but Jesus said to the woman, ‘Where are your accusers?’ And she saw that there was nobody who could bring any judgment against her because Jesus had revealed to each one of them their failures. There is deliverance in the midst of judgment. There is a certainty for those that have experienced the pain and anguish of rejection because of the past failures that others have judged them by.  

‘The people who walked in darkness have seen a great Light; those who dwelt in the land of intense darkness and the shadow of death, upon them has the Light shined.’ • Isaiah 9:2 (KJV)

In the midst of the labels and the stigmas that people impose on you and the declarations that the devil may make about your life, God appears and shows mercy.