If there’s one sure bet in life, it’s that everyone makes mistakes. Even Christians. Or maybe I should say, especially Christians.
For whatever reason, people aren’t as surprised when a non-Christian makes a mistake, but when a professing Christian does, it’s beyond shocking. It’s often followed by the phrase, “I thought you called yourself a Christian.”
In the book of John, there’s a situation where a woman is caught in the act of adultery. The crowd was so outraged that they dragged her before Jesus and a large group of people and said:
“Teacher,” they said to Jesus, “this woman was caught in the act of adultery. The law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say?” (John 8:3-5)
Jesus didn’t answer right away — which is a great lesson for us when we’re facing conflict. We should pause and consider what we’re going to say, making sure it’s godly.
This calm and measured approach infuriated the accusers, who were demanding an immediate answer. They kept pressing Him. Finally, Jesus responded:
“All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!” (John 8:7)
This response no doubt left the accusers stunned. I imagine that in that moment, they were all reminded of their own sins — which were probably many.
Then, after a few moments of awkward silence:
“When the accusers heard this, they slipped away one by one, beginning with the oldest, until only Jesus was left in the middle of the crowd with the woman.” (John 8:9)
What they realized was: Who am I to throw a stone at this woman when I have sinned so many times myself? And the same is true for us.
Although Christians follow a perfect Savior, we are far from perfect people. We stumble and fall just like everyone else — but with the help of Jesus, we get back up.
The Bible says: “The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again.” (Proverbs 24:16)
So don’t be fooled into thinking that a Christian has their act completely together. We don’t.
A Christian is simply a person who knows they are an imperfect sinner following a perfect Jesus who forgives all our sins.
So whenever you’re tempted to throw a stone at someone else, remember the words of Jesus: “Let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!”
If we all took that advice to heart, no stones would ever be thrown.
Think about it:
- How quick am I to judge others without first examining my own heart?
- When someone screws up are you the first to throw the stone?
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