Casting the Stones

In light of the recent events that have unfolded during this past week in my community, I can't keep quiet anymore.  Sin, according to the dictionary, is any immoral act considered to be a transgression against divine law.  In other words, any act that violates God's will.  

Manifesting itself into humanity way back in the Garden of Eden, the first example of sin in the Bible proves that even people who are the closest to God can fall victim to Satan's tricks.  Let me repeat that, EVEN THE CLOSEST PEOPLE TO GOD CAN FALL TO SIN.  Why? Because for a split second in that garden, Eve took her eye's off of God- and the same thing can be true for anyone who believes in God and takes their eyes off of him. (see Hebrews 12:1 & 2)

The Bible is very clear that we are ALL sinners (Romans 3:23) and that all sin is EQUAL (James 2:10 & 11) in God's eyes. There are no levels of sin- murdering and swearing are equal.  According to governmental law, no they are not equal, but Jesus still had to pay the same price for a man who committed murder as for a man who had a foul mouth. But my point is, when you look at any sin, the spiritual consequences are the same:  JESUS DIED TO PAY THE PRICE FOR IT.  

Another thing the Bible is very, very clear on is that we are not a rightful judge of those who have sinned.  Only God is the Righteous Judge (Luke 6:37; Matthew 7:1-5). 
John 8 tells a story of an adulterous woman who was brought before Jesus  by the Pharisees who said "The law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say?" Recognizing that this was a test and knowing that the law of Moses said that both man and woman were to be stoned for committing adultery, Jesus's response blew them away. "Let the one who has never sinned be the first to throw a stone!" At this response the accusers dropped the stones of judgement they had clenched in their hands and walked away one by one and Jesus was left standing alone with the woman.  And he forgave her. 

I think the biggest thing I am trying to emphasize is that no matter what, we are called by God to hate the sin and love the sinner. God is the only Righteous Judge, not us.  All we can do is continue to pray. Pray for the sinner and all who have been involved. "Let he who has never sinned be the first to throw a stone" at this sinner in our community- I won't be casting any.