NO MORE STONES

No More Stones
John 8:1-7
Staying Unified. We thrive in 2025

Quote: Don't judge someone just because they sin differently than you

John 8: 1-7 NLT
Jesus returned to the Mount of Olives, but early the next morning he was back again at the Temple. A crowd soon gathered, and he sat down and taught them. As he was speaking, the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in the act of adultery. They put her in front of the crowd. Teacher,' they said to Jesus, 'this woman was caught in the act of adultery. The law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say?' They were trying to trap him into saying something they could use against him, but Jesus stooped down and wrote in the dust with his finger. They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, 'All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!'

Unity killer: Elitism

At the heart of this story is the sin of elitism. Elitism is an attitude of superiority that lifts some people up while demeaning others (a clique). It is a mindset that uses illegitimate criteria by which to judge people. It judges people based on false conclusions and ungodly perspectives, making some superior, while treating others as inferior. It makes illegitimate distinctions among people based on race, class or culture. 

Bottomline: Those who wanted to throw the stones at the woman were no better than the woman, but their perception of themselves was not based on truth which is The Word of God.

I repeat: Don't judge someone just because they sin differently than you

Let us all take a minute to ask the Lord "How many "stones" did I throw in 2024?
Where did I exhibit an Elitism attitude in my walk in 2024?

Elitism will ALWAYS  kill unity within the body of Christ. Instead, we must get rid of elitism through love. We must love others, no matter their race, culture or class, and we must consider their needs as more important than our own.

James 2:1 NLT
1 My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others?

This verse is a powerful reminder of the dangers of judgmental attitudes and self righteousness. In 2025, the principle of this verse can be applied in various contexts, as society continues to grapple with issues of judgment, forgiveness, and compassion. Here are some practical examples.

1. Cancel Culture

    Example: A public figure makes a mistake or says something controversial, and social media users quickly judge and call for their "cancellation" without considering their own imperfections or the possibility of growth and redemption.  
    Application: Instead of joining the mob, reflect on one’s own flaws and advocate for understanding, correction, and forgiveness.

 2. Workplace Mistakes

    Example: A coworker misses a deadline or makes an error in judgment that affects the team. Colleagues are quick to criticize or blame.  
    Application: Before judging harshly, remember times when you’ve made mistakes and extend grace while offering help to rectify the issue.

 3. Family Disputes

    Example: A family member makes a poor life choice (e.g., financial mismanagement, addiction, or strained relationships), and relatives criticize or ostracize them.  
    Application: Instead of condemning, approach them with compassion, recalling times you’ve needed support or second chances.

 4. Church Community Conflicts

    Example: A church member is caught in sin, and the congregation responds with gossip or judgment rather than restoration.  
    Application: Emphasize love and restoration, remembering that everyone struggles with sin and needs grace.

 5. Online Arguments

    Example: Heated debates on social media, where people call others out for their opinions or past actions without considering their own biases or mistakes.  
    Application: Before posting or engaging, reflect on your own shortcomings and respond with kindness and understanding.

 6. Parenting Challenges

    Example: A parent at a school meeting is criticized for their child’s behavior or academic performance, with other parents judging without understanding the family’s struggles.  
    Application: Show empathy and support rather than judgment, recognizing that parenting is challenging for everyone.

 7. Homelessness and Poverty

    Example: A person experiencing homelessness is judged harshly for their circumstances, with assumptions about laziness or poor choices.  
    Application: Instead of assuming, consider the complexities of systemic issues and offer practical help and kindness.

 8. Marital Struggles

    Example: A couple goes through a divorce, and friends or community members take sides, assigning blame without understanding the full story.  
    Application: Avoid casting stones and offer nonjudgmental support to both individuals.

 9. Youth and Technology

    Example: A teenager posts something inappropriate online, and peers and adults ridicule them, forgetting the impulsiveness and mistakes of youth.  
    Application: Respond with guidance and grace, acknowledging your own past errors.

 10. Legal or Ethical Failures

    Example: A public figure is caught in a legal or ethical scandal, and society rushes to condemn them without considering the pressures or factors that led to their actions.  
    Application: Advocate for due process, accountability balanced with mercy, and an opportunity for reform.

Do you see yourself in any of the examples?
Do you want to know if you are throwing "stones"?. 

The Lord gave Pastor JR, Ephesians 4:1-3 when Living Word started on the journey towards Unity and we are beginning to see why.

Ephesians 4:1-3 NLT

1 Therefore I (Paul), a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. 2 Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. 3 Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.

Do you see the ACTION words in Ephesians 4:1-3?
Do you see the commands, not the suggestions in Ephesians 4:1-3

ACTIONS:
Always Be. Be patient. Making Allowances. Make every effort. Binding yourself.

If you are not leading a life worthy of God's calling then your stone is: blame. Is it everybody else's fault that you are not where you are supposed to be?
If you are not choosing to be humble and gentle: Then your stones are: a harsh and arrogance attitude.
If you are not choosing to be patient with one another. Then your stone is: impatience.
If you are not choosing to make allowances for each other's fault: Then your stone is: pride
If I you are choosing not to keep yourself united in the Spirit: Then your stone is: division
Lastly, if you choose not to bind yourself together with peace: Then your stone is: chaos

More food for thought:

Matthew 7:3-5: NKJV
3 “And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own? 4 How can you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye? 5 Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye.

Do you see why the Lord brought the Word? It shows us ourselves, so that in His power we can change ourselves for the better.

"For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires." — Hebrews 4:12

Let's end with a few practical quotes: 

* "Before you judge someone, walk a mile in their shoes." – Native American Proverb

* "The only time you should look down on someone is when you’re helping them up." 

* "Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about." – Wendy Mass

* "Judging others is easy, but understanding them takes effort." 

As we begin a brand new week in 2025, be watchful of the potential "stones" that you may be tempted to pick up along the way and make choice  NO MORE STONES

Amen.