Namesake Week 5 Day 3: Casting the First Stone

Today's Scripture: John 8:7, Matthew 7:1-5, and John 8:31-36

When the unnamed women was at her lowest and most vulnerable time it was followers of God who wounded her most. In their efforts to uphold God's laws they forgot to remember not to hurt God's children in the process. Many people who are suffering and struggling with sin fear the judgement and harsh reactions they might find in church. Christians and other religious groups aren't always the most gracious. I have shared how these were my exact feelings after I become pregnant as a teen. I feared the judgement of my church family and so turned away from them and God for many years.
We as sinners and as followers of God have to remember that grace is God shows his children and so we need to show this to each others.

When Jesus told his followers that "If any of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone." God was the only one in the crowd that was free of sin and he wasn't picking up or throwing stones. He didn't condemn the women He showed her patience and compassion.

When was the last time you found yourself judging others and what did you judge?

I find myself judging people's intentions before taking the time to learn or ask the person. I also strongly judge the way that others spend money or handle finances when I am just as guilty of spending or shopping.

We judge other's actions more because they are visible while our sins are hidden away in our hearts.
The story of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector in Luke 18:9-14 is a great example of judging others. When we take the time to look within ourselves it teaches us how to look within the heart of God and compassion and grace. It also shows us where we need to make improvements. When we take the time to do this it not helps us but allows us to forgive others. If we stop judging and start offering grace it will help us change the way we view ourselves and others.