Stop casting Stones

There was a heartbreaking domestic violence story circling my social media feed.  As I scimmed through the hundreds of angry comments, I too became deeply grieved.  While I continued to think on these things, I felt the Holy Spirit press the following verse on my heart…

Stop judging by external standards, and judge by true standards (John 7:24 GNT)

In other words, don’t judge by your natural interpretation of things, but what does my word say, judge correctly.

I was suddenly reminded the biblical story of the women who was taken to Jesus by an angry mob of people.  Though they professed they were God’s children, in their hands were stones, and they were ready to stone her for her offense.  

Fortunately, this ancient practice has long been nonexistent, but presently, it remains comparable to the words we speak and the accusations we make.  

Notice, Jesus said absolutely nothing to the offender, though she was “caught in the very act”.  Oddly, he wasn’t very much impressed by all the accusations that were piling up against her either.  

But instead, he addresses the crowd.  

he stood up…and said, “… let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!”  (John 8:7 NLT)

Jesus in no way was trying to cover or excuse her offense. Neither do I write this to excuse or in any way minimize the offense of the offender. 

But Jesus was most grieved at the response of those who claimed they knew God.  

Truth was and is, we’re all infected by the same deadly disease called sin.  And all have personal stories of how we intentionally/unintentionally wounded or were wounded by others in the past.  

Sadly some more than others.

Would it upset us to know that in that same moment, Jesus without hesitancy, forgave the offender in this biblical story? He does so for the worst of sinners.

Yet we as believers remain, casting our stones every which way; The offender is at fault!  The offender’s family is at fault!  The victim’s church is at fault!  The victim’s family is at fault!  

All publicly, as in this biblical story.

What does this speak to the non-believers around us. 

Friends, let’s remember we all make up ONE body of Christ, individually or in groups (Churches).  Even when one body part (individual person or separate church) is sick and not functioning correctly, it’s not a public hearing we need, it’s a visit to the great physician we need.  

Incidents like this should unite us in immense humility before God for our fallen condition and desperate need for more of him.

Let's build up rather than beat down the already bruised.

Rather than endlessly casting stones, let’s focus on binding wounds of the wounded. 

Let's unite on learning to become a more effectual refuge to those that presently find themselves victims.  

 

If a family divides itself into groups which fight each other, that family will fall apart. (Mark 3:25 GNT)

“To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you.” ― C.S. Lewis 

 

"Do not be afraid to allow the Holy Spirit to reveal any unforgiveness or bitterness. The longer you hide it, the stronger it will become and the harder your heart will grow. Stay tenderhearted."

-John Bevere