The Book of John. Chapter Eight.
A few years ago, I had a conversation with my pastor about the public image of Christianity. He was very disgruntled that so many Christians had chosen to take a stand against certain political issues instead of taking a stand for the very grace God has given us.
“If you believe the politicians and the newspapers,” my pastor said. ”Then Christianity is just against homosexuality, against abortion, against civil rights, against peace, against any form of tolerance…But if that is ‘christianity’ is…Then I don’t want any part of it.“
Those are pretty strong words from a man who has spent fifty years in ministry.
Of course, he was talking about John 8:1-11.
In the midst of social condemnation–a woman was caught in an act of adultery–Jesus showed grace. Surrounded by injustice–for The Law required that the adulterer be stoned as well as the adulteress–Jesus showed mercy. Caught in a trap–if He had agreed to let the woman be executed then He would be violating Roman law, which prohibited The Jews from carrying out their own executions–He showed wisdom…
“Let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone” (v. 7).
And yet, all too often today christians take a stand against a sin long before they ever take a stand for the Grace and Mercy and Wisdom of God. But the church’s stand against a sin often chokes the life right out of The Gospel–which is only Good News to bad people. Every quick condemnation develops an unhealthy attitude in the non-believer. And, sadly, many people have left the church and have stopped believing in God, and His Chosen One, because of this judgmental attitude.
Are you throwing stones?
I pray not. Everytime I bend down to pick up a stone, as I commented on Darla’s blog, He whispers to me, “Michelle, what are you doing? What about…?” I stand back up and I realize I have no room, no right, to throw stones.
I thank the Lord He sees my heart when others around have no idea what’s in it. I will wait for His judgment. It is sure and it is coming.
This was so well written. I really loved this: “all too often today christians take a stand against a sin long before they ever take a stand for the Grace and Mercy and Wisdom of God. But the church’s stand against a sin often chokes the life right out of The Gospel–which is only Good News to bad people.” SO true! Good news! Good! News! One look at ourselves, much less humanity will tell us that we are desperately in need of some good news. How do we miss that??
I am to weak to throw stones.
God’s Grace gives me strength to love like his Son.
Peace brother.. Continue to get some good rest.
“Confront sin?” I guess it depends on how you do it. Me? I never could get a drowning man into the boat by throwing a harpoon.
My views on homosexuality can be found in this post:
I had a few more things to say in the comments too, so you might want to read them as well.
My views on abortion I have never really discussed in detail–with good reason. But you can catch a glimpse of those views–and my (abridged) opinion of the church’s response to this matter–in these posts:
I am working on a post about abortion now, which I am hoping to have published by the end of this weekend. I had fully intended to take some time off and get some rest and just take it easy, but a few things were said to me recently that…
…made me mad.
So my hibernation came to an abrupt, unpleasant end.
Nor this is a good post…I have a heart that loves some people that don’t usually show up in a church..I have to be honest with their questions if it is what God says..but we are called to love them regardless of thier sin…and our life should show them a better way. Any one who comes to Jesus and asks forgiveness can be washed clean..the old is gone and the new it comes!! yea..that is what I am talking about…I am usually the one getting stoned!
You’re right. I am angry. With good reason. Not at you, though. I certainly do agree with your point of view about judging, which literally means “to determine value.” And regarding people made in The Image of God, it is certainly not our place to determine their value.
As for what is making me so angry…I’m not letting it fester. It’s just taking me a while to get some things together. That is tough to do because of the anger; I want to be graceful, but it’s taking me a long time to get to that point.
Thanks for your prayers, Sis.
I’m not going to have that Essay done this weekend.
Maybe next.
You know what? You’re absolutely right. It is our responsibility to tell others that what they are doing is wrong. I fell asleep thinking about this point and when I woke I realized, “It really is that simple.” Can I be graceful about it? Well, probably about as graceful as Christ was when He overturned the tables of the moneychangers. It wasn’t pleasant, but it needed to be done. And division in the body? The Enemy sitting back and laughing? You didn’t just hit the nail on the head; you built a whole house. I know I’ve got some lurkers following this thread, and I’ve got some people in our little community who are probably concerned about what is bothering me–Well, eating me alive, to be more precise–but I am going to say, I am finally going to say what has been on my mind. It won’t be pleasant, but it needs to be said. The more I think about it, the more I realize: the rest of the world can take it or leave it…
…because I serve The Almighty.
Nor~It was nice seeing a post from you
I know you’re probably sitting there thinking about what kind of hibernation this is but sometimes God has a different agenda for us than the one we have [boy am I learning that in this season] and I am prayerful that whatever purpose He removes you from your hibernation for is one that brings Him glory and encourages someone in His truth.
I have been humbled many times in my Christian walk to know better than to throw stones. I believe my heart is in the right place but being human, I may slip up from time to time and say something that may cause someone to think I’m being judgemental.
I really like how you mentioned that we tend to focus more on the sin rather than the grace and mercy available to the person committing it. As far as “admonishing” each other for our sins, I am still learning what that process looks like. I think much of my humanness may come out in that process which I know God needs to get rid of before He can use me in that way. I don’t condone anyone’s sin but honestly, I have so much of my own to deal with and for God to deal with that I don’t feel I’m in a place to confront anyone. Does that make sense?
I love you Nor
Hey Nor,
I’ve been reading your blog sporadically for a few weeks – wandered over from Michelle’s blog – and I’d have to say that if you’re angry about something, it’s probably worth being angry about. And you clearly have the insight and wisdom to respond in a way that will further God’s work in this world.
Just my two cents…
And on confronting sin – I think maybe one has to love pretty deeply before one can safely admonish anyone. Otherwise, it can be too hard to see the mote for the beam! And that way leads to condemnation, when grace is what is needed, as you so eloquently said.
God bless you mate!
(I’m an Aussie – everyone’s a mate.
I like the way you related that passage to something that is so “now.” yet another example of how God’s Word is living and active.
Thanks!