John 8:3-11 (KJV) Says, "And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, They say unto him, Master this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou? This they said tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not. 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. And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground. And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more."
In the above passage of scripture a group of scribes and Pharisees bring a woman who was caught in the act of adultery before Jesus. The Pharisees are known for their strict adherence to the Mosaic law. So strict that in lieu of coming across as born again believers in Jesus Christ, they came across as harsh and legalistic. The woman was placed in the middle of all of her accusers where she stood while her sin was reported to Jesus. The Pharisees were tempting Jesus by stating what the law commanded should be done to her because she was caught in the act of adultery. Having no compassion or forgiveness in their hearts for the woman, but rather focusing solely on the law, the scribes and Pharisees were matter of fact in stating that the law dictated she should be stoned to death. Prior to stoning her, however, they asked Jesus what he felt should be done with her. This was an attempt by the scribes and Pharisees to find fault in Jesus, when it came to the law and his adherence to it.
The scribes and Pharisees repeatedly asked Jesus what he thought should be done with the woman. At first Jesus seemed to ignore them, but as they continued to ask him he stood up, and gave them an answer. Jesus told them that whoever among them was without sin should throw the first stone at the woman, and this forced them to pause and examine the sin in their own lives. As they did so they began to walk away one by one until there was not a single accuser remaining.
Please note that before Jesus said even one single word to the woman he addressed the crowd that was so eager and willing to stone her. It was only after all of the woman's accusers walked away that Jesus addressed her, and when he did; take note that he didn't speak down to her, shame her, look at her in disgust, or treat her in a condemning manner. Having compassion on her, he simply told her that he did not condemn her, he forgave her, he told her she could go, and not to do it again.
Jesus didn't scream at this woman or give her some long lecture about how terrible her sin was. Instead, he demonstrated love, kindness, forgiveness, understanding, and compassion; as he addressed her. Jesus being perfect and sinless addressed this woman in the manner he did; yet many human beings, just as the scribes and the Pharisees, are quick to judge, condemn, and show no compassion or forgiveness whatsoever for one another. Jesus didn't tell the woman that what she did was okay or that it was not a sin, but when he addressed the issue with her he did so in love, and without harshness of any form.
I encourage you to remember that no sin is greater than another in the eyes of God, and that every human being is a sinner. It is also important to remember that each of us have needed to be shown forgiveness, compassion, and understanding more than once in our lives, and that we should be willing to show the same to others. Christians should hold one another accountable there is no question about that, but we must make certain that we do so with love, forgiveness, kindness, and compassion in our hearts. No lectures, harsh words, or judgmental and condemning behavior are necessary; nor are they Christ-like. This type of treatment toward someone is not beneficial in anyway whatsoever. I urge you to remember how Jesus treated this woman caught in the act of adultery, and to follow his example. The world could sure use more love, compassion, forgiveness, understanding, and Christ-like behavior. I further urge you to remember that all sins are equal in God's eyes. Consider how you would want others to treat you; should a sin you've committed come to light. Remember we are all fallible human beings; who fall short of the glory of God..
If you have a prayer request and would like me to pray for you, leave me message and I will be more than happy to do so. May God bless you!
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