So when they continued asking Him, He raised Himself up to them and said, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.”     John 8:7 NKJV

When you skip a stone on the water, it has a ripple effect. When we throw stones or disparaging remarks at others, there is a ripple effect there as well. This is why we should be very careful before casting a stone.

When I was growing up, people were judged in the rumor and gossip mills, but today they are judged on social media where it is apt to become viral. It’s immediate. People use their followers to spread information on others in order to get likes and be followed.

In our Scripture passage a woman had been caught in the act of adultery. It doesn’t mention the man, just the woman. They were trying to trick Jesus because they knew He taught mercy. Moses’ law said the woman must be stoned. They wanted to know what Jesus thought should be done with her. Should she receive mercy, or should she be stoned?

Jesus’ simple solution to the problem was to let whichever one of them that had no sin in their lives cast the first stone. They all walked away.

When we judge others, we must be careful. Jesus very clearly stated in Matthew 7:1 we should not judge others because when we do, we will be judged. He goes on to say that with the measure we use, it will be measured out to us.

Many people point out the faults and failures of others to make themselves feel better. I am a firm believer that hurting people hurt people. I believe it’s true that misery loves company.  Before you pass judgment on someone else either with your words spoken or words typed, I want you to consider a few things.

The first thing you should consider is how will it impact this person? Will it cause them sorrow or grief? Will it cause issues within their family? Will it cause unnecessary pain for their loved ones?

Secondly, and this is a biggie, have you ever done what they have done? Are you totally innocent? Are you casting stones at someone knowing you have done the same thing or similar things perhaps you just didn’t get caught. Or maybe you did get caught and you want them to suffer the consequences as you did. But remember that’s God’s job. You don’t want to try to take over God’s job, trust me.

You also need to stop and ask yourself if you’ve walked a mile in their shoes? Do you know what personal struggles they may be facing in their life? Do you know them well enough to know if they are suffering with pain or loneliness or despair?

And the last thing I ask you to consider is this, what will it say about you when you defame this person? Will it make you look like someone scorned who simply can’t let grudges go? Will it cast you as an evil person? And most importantly, will it destroy your witness? Will your Christianity be called into question because of your evil words against another?

Casting stones is a very dangerous business. Jesus said that only those without sin should cast the first stone. Romans 3:23 tells us we all sin and fall short of the glory of God. Jesus said when we judge it will come back on us, can you handle that?

I’ve done enough things and said enough things I shouldn’t have to know I must tread lightly when it comes to casting stones. I want God to forgive me where I have failed Him. I know this means I have to forgive others (Matthew 6:14-15) not condemn them and point out their shortcomings.

It may feel good to throw that stone but is it worth the trouble it could cause for you? Give that some thought.

Have a great day!