"Casting Stones"

"It is not Christ's follower that, with averted eyes, turns from the erring, leaving them unhindered to pursue their downward course. Those who are forward in accusing others, and zealous in bringing them to justice, are often in their own lives more guilty than they. Men hate the sinner, while they love the sin. Christ hates the sin, but loves the sinner. This will be the spirit of all who follow Him. Christian love is slow to censure, quick to discern penitence, ready to forgive, to encourage, to set the wanderer in the path of holiness, and to stay his feet therein." DA pg 462

Oh how quick we are to judge and condemn those around us. With self-righteous arrogance we point our fingers at those who are erring in darkness, and we haughtily think that we are better than they. Oh don't we understand that unless Jesus would have died to pay for our sins, we would be lost in everlasting darkness? In our own strength we have absolutely no power to free ourselves from the bonds of Satan. We need Jesus just as much as the worst sinner for we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Who are we to "throw stones" at the ones who have been caught in sin? Where is that love of Jesus that seeks to call sinners to repentance, and to guide the stumbling ones to the Light, and thirsty souls to the Water of Life?

We judge the outward appearance, but only God sees the heart. It is not up to us to pronounce judgement for who are we to take the position which belongs solely to the Ruler of the universe?

I know I have often failed to portray Jesus. I am quick to judge those who don't meet my standards. While we are never to make compromises in regards to what we believe, I do believe that we need to remember that not everyone is at the same place. While some have had a steady relationship with Jesus for years, others are just now making their first baby steps which may not even be visible to us.

Teach me Father to love as You love, and to care as You care. Teach me to see people through Your eyes, and to have a heart filled with compassion. May my words be a savor of life unto life, and may my actions testify that I have experienced You.

This is my prayer. Amen.