Throwing Stones

He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. (John 8:7) 
 
Jesus was teaching in the temple courts when He made that statement. A group of teachers of the law and Pharisees had just dragged a woman caught in adultery before Him and challenged, “now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?” (v. 5). Because they considered Jesus a threat to their authority, the question was “a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him” (v. 6)—and getting rid of Him. 
 
Yet when Jesus replied, “he that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone . . .” not one of the woman’s accusers could bring themselves to pick up a stone. One by one, they walked away. 
 
Before we critically judge another’s behavior while looking lightly at our own sin, let’s remember that all of us “have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Instead of condemnation, our Savior showed this woman—and you and me—grace and hope (John 3:16; 8:10–11). How can we not do the same for others? 
 
How can you put the lesson of John 8 into action in how you treat others? How can you use your own experience to help others facing similar challenges? 
 
Dear Lord, thank You for loving us! Help us to look with compassion on others and to be gracious in all we say and do. Amen.  
 
When I read this devotion I was reminded of a saying, be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Today, look with compassion on others and be gracious in all you say and do. Judging a person does not define who they are, It defines who you are. Choose to show The Love of Christ each and every day. Put the stones down and make a positive difference, we rise by lifting others. 
 
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord! 
 
Today’s Reading is 2 Corinthians 4:16


God’s Mercy

So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. (John 8:7)

I recently read. As a group of religious leaders herded an adulterous woman toward Jesus, they couldn’t know they were carrying her within a stone’s throw of grace. Their hope was to discredit Him. If He told them to let the woman go, they could claim He was breaking Mosaic law. But if He condemned her to death, the crowds following Him would have dismissed His words of mercy and grace.

But Jesus turned the tables on the accusers. Scripture says that rather than answering them directly, He started writing on the ground. When the leaders continued to question Him, He invited any of them who had never sinned to throw the first stone, and then He started writing on the ground again. The next time He looked up, all the accusers were gone.

Now the only person who could have thrown a stone—the only sinless one—looked at the woman and gave her mercy. “And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more” (John 8:11).

Whether today finds you needing forgiveness for judging others or desiring assurance that no sin is beyond His grace, be encouraged by this: No one is throwing stones today; go and be changed by God’s mercy.

Father, cleanse me of my judging nature and free me from the bonds of sin. Let me taste Your mercy and then help me to live a changed life. Amen.

Have a wonderful day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is John 7:53-8:11