It Is Easier To Judge Than To Love

“When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, ‘Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?’ She said, ‘No one, Lord.’ And Jesus said to her, ‘Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.’ Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.’” –  John 8:10-12

The crowd was ready to condemn the woman to death – by stoning – thinking that they would somehow be honoring God – but Jesus showed them that they were all worthy of judgement and death – all had sinned – none could stand the test – “Let him who is without sin cast the first stone.” God’s desire is that we would admit our sin and repent.  God would that none should perish – that none would be condemned for their sin, but would find forgiveness through faith in His Son, Jesus. 

“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” – 2 Peter 3:9

When we are confronted with blatant sin, it is all too easy for us to stand where the crowd stood when they wanted to punish the woman.  We know what is right and what is wrong from God’s Word. We are all to quick, when we see the sin, to condemn the sinner – as if, somehow, we had the power to judge – but we don’t. That somehow our condemnation was pleasing to God, but it is not. Sin is so blatant in our culture.  It seems that in our culture sin is encouraged – repentance is discouraged.  Paul addressed that problem in Romans 1.

“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them….. knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.” – Romans 1:18-19,32

Rather than condemn the sinner, we should, instead, point them to the One in whom they might find salvation.  Our purpose is not to be judges, but witnesses. Salt and light in a dark world. We are not to condone the sin, but we are love the sinner and encourage them to repent.  Just like Jesus. Judgement will come in time.  Jesus associated with sinners, but did not ever approve of their sin.  He came to save them from it.  The laws of the land are in place to encourage peace, order, and respect for life and property, but today it does little about immorality.  Those laws that attempted to constrain immoral behavior, for the most part have been rescinded.  That does not change what the Lord has said about immoral behavior. It is still sin – but our focus is to be on the Gospel and salvation through faith in Jesus. The Spirit brings conviction to the sinner – if that leads to saving faith then that person is sealed and adopted into the family of God. The thing is, man’s laws do not change the desire to sin only the impulse to carry the sin out. The only way that the desire can change is with a heart change. The only way a heart can change is by faith in Jesus.

“Jesus answered and said to him [Nicodemus], ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.’” – John 3:3

Can you see the difference between discerning behavior that is sinful versus judging, condemning, the one who is sinning?  Pastor Greg Laurie said, “Don’t think of me as a judge, but as a fruit inspector.” It is one thing to say that the woman committed adultery – discernment, and quite another to condemn her to death – then physical death – today, spiritual death. Only God can do that, and you, my friend, are not God.  So when you see the lost reveling in their immorality, don’t judge them.  Pray for them. And if you should have the opportunity – share the Gospel with them.  Don’t conclude that there is no hope for them.  I suspect that someone or more than one someone may have thought that about you and I before the day we were born again.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone