Scripture: John 8:7 – When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”
Reflection: It’s just easier to see what’s wrong with someone else – right? I must admit that it is easier to notice when someone else needs a lesson in civility; not as easy when that person is me, or you. When we make up in our minds that someone has sinned, we immediately forget the sin we carry daily: gossip, judging, pride, lust, envy, serving man made idols….
One thing I find interesting about John 8:7 is that Jesus didn’t chastise the woman for being an adulterer, but he did admonish those who were accusing her. By their accusations, they were considering themselves better; because she was the adulterer, she was the sinner. They had become her judge, jury and executioner. They wanted to stone her for her sins…sins that were different form theirs.
Why is it that Jesus had to remind her accusers that they too were sinful? Why do we have to be reminded that we all fall short (Romans 3:23)? Why do we feel the need to point out the speck of sawdust in our brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in our own eyes (Matthew 7:3)?
Always remember that it’s impossible to truly help someone when we are busy judging their sin. When we are focused on someone’s perceived flaw we lose sight of their purpose in our lives and our purpose in theirs.
Prayer: Father God, thank You for the many times You protected me from the judgement of my sins. Now, please give me the understanding to extend this grace to others, while realizing that we all fall short of Your Glory. It’s never my place to throw stones, knowing I have sins of my own to correct. Help me to always clear the plank in my own eye so I can be better prepared to attend to the needs of others. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
Devoted to God 