The Problem With Judging Others

“ …. Then the scribes and Pharisees brought to Him a woman caught in adultery. And when they had set her in the midst, they said to Him, “Teacher, this woman was caught in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses, in the law, commanded us that such should be stoned. But what do You [Jesus] say?’ This they said, testing Him, that they might have something of which to accuse Him. But Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground with His finger, as though He did not hear. So when they continued asking Him, He raised Himself up and said to them, ‘He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.’ And again He stooped down and wrote on the ground. Then those who heard it, being convicted by their conscience, went out one by one, beginning with the oldest even to the last. And Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. 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.’...” — John 8:3-11

The woman was guilty of the sin – that was not the issue for us to see.  As sinners saved by grace, we do not have the position of judge for others’ sins. God has that position.  We rejoice in knowing that we are forgiven by faith – but so very often are not willing to extend that same grace to others. Those men were confident in their judgement of her sin and their intent on carrying out punishment, which was stoning.  Until they met up with Jesus that is.  Jesus brought conviction to their own hearts – I think the same awareness that comes upon us at the point of our conversion. An awareness that we are sinners and guilty – deserving death – eternal separation from God – the Law Giver.

I encourage you to re-read Galatians chapter 5 to review the fruit of the flesh – what our flesh is capable of – and the fruit of the Spirit – what God is capable of through us – if we will only yield to the Spirit.  We all struggle with sin – I am talking about Christians – for the lost it is not a struggle, it is part of their nature – they really have no alternative. With respect to sin, as Christians we mostly relate to each other with the silent agreement – “You don’t tell me (about your sin) and I won’t tell you (about mine). Like those Scribes and Pharisees – having a form of godliness but denying the power of God in their lives. It is the speck and the beam.

“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” – Matthew 7:1-5

We can recognize sin and call it sin – and we certainly should have no part of the sin – but then we should call the sinner to repentance – like Jesus did. Not stand in judgement, lest Jesus ask us the same question – “Who among you can cast the first stone?”

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

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