The First Stone

   “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” (John 8: 7)

   Many are quick to grab a stone to throw at one who has committed a sin or done wrong.  Some are so easily offended that they are willing to condemn anyone who simply disagrees with them.  It seems respect, compassion and mercy are in very short supply.

   The message of the gospel is not one of condemnation and judgement, but of love, forgiveness and mercy.  Even the Pharisees who brought the adulterous woman to Jesus recognized this, “But when they heard it, they went away, one by one, beginning with the eldest, and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him.  Jesus looked up and said to her, ‘Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?’  She said, ‘No one, Lord.’  And Jesus said, ‘Neither do I condemn you; go, and do not sin again.’” (John 8: 8 -11).

   Jesus taught that we are all sinners and have no right to judge another.  His message was one of forgiveness and repentance.  He asked for a change of heart in those who were sinners.  He forgave the sinner and healed hearts rather than condemn.

   When we stand before God we will be called to account for the judgement of others that we have made.  “For with the judgement you pronounce you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get.” (Matt 7: 2)

Lord we are so quick to judge.

We condemn others but ignore our own sins.

Fill us with Your love and mercy.

Teach us to always forgive rather than judge.

Amen