Casting Stones

As I continue to receive enlightenment on scripture, I continue to be amazed at how many cliches people carelessly throw around.

I was thinking about John 8:7 “So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.”

 

This verse has been abused and has done more damage than good. This verse is used to prevent anyone from discussing or confronting sin. I can think of many situations where this verse was used to prevent someone from telling another church member their child was misbehaving or that they may need to keep an “eye” on their spouse. People would rather  ”mind their on business” and let disaster strike than sacrifice feelings and address important matters.

Sadly, this self-preservation tactic takes place in church, work, and even in social circles.

The improper handling of this scripture hurts the body of Christ when it is used to defend false teachers.

Romans 16:17 says Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

When a believer marks a false teacher, scripturally  illiterate individuals are quick to say “Well we’ve all sinned and the bible says let he who is without sin cast the first stone?” Why is it that people are quick to defend individuals who make a mockery of scripture and twist it to satisfy their personal desires?

Many church-goers have not even read Jude 1:3 which says beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was necessary for me to write unto you, and exhort you that you should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.

Cliche-clubbers do not contend for the faith, but defend a man. They reject the gospel and do as their own wicked heart desires.

In my study of John 8:7, one thing I learned was the pharisees were not able to stone the women because they had sinned.

Leviticus 20:10 And the man that committeth adultery with another man’s wife, even he that committeth adultery with his neighbor’s wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death.

The pharisees had transgressed the law by bringing only the woman and not the man. All were guilty and in sin. NO ONE could cast the first stone.

I am grateful we’re not under the law! If you have used this verse to correct someone for speaking the truth, I challenge you to dig in the word and seek the truth. It’s time to stand and contend for the gospel.

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