Are you a stone thrower?

John 8:1-11

While Jesus was teaching in the temple, surrounded by many people, the teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought a woman caught in the act of adultery and made her stand before the group. They said to Jesus, "Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law, Moses commanded us to stone such a woman. Now, what do you say?" They were trying to trap Jesus.

Characteristics of a stone thrower;

1)   condemning spirit. v 3  ...they made her stand before the group.

• People who need to be forgiven the most are usually the first to condemn others. A lot of times, we are quick to criticize because we feel that it will somehow make us feel better about our own inadequacies.

 2)  operate under the law.  v 5 ... In the law, Moses commanded us to stone such women.     

• People who look to the law for correction often forget about looking for the grace of forgiveness. 

The Pharisees overlooked the rest of that law which says that BOTH the man and the woman must die. Deuteronomy 22:22 (hmmm...)

3)  judgmental. v 6... they were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him.    

• The Pharisees did not have a valid reason to accuse Jesus so they were judging everything He did so to find fault in him. 

4)  feel the need to be right. v7... when they kept on questioning Him, He straightened up and said to them, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone."

We must purpose in our hearts that we will not look for the bad in people but instead, focus on the good that Jesus did for His people. He sacrificed Himself on the cross so that all men might be saved. None of us are above reproach. God has given each of us the same measure of grace. It is up to each individual to decide what to do with it. Each of us will have to stand alone and give an account for our lives, attitudes, and actions.

Spend time in the Word. Look for scriptures that will help you control your tongue and help you to not be a stone thrower. 

 Galatians 6:1 says, Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently.

Be blessed,
Dawn