When Tempted to Remain Silent

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.” And Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.” John 8:10,11 (New King James Version)

Jesus was confronted with an issue that was meant to entrap Him. A woman caught in the act of adultery was brought to Him with the intent of having her stoned (the penalty for committing adultery). What started out as a tense moment with an angry mob quickly became an audience of two. The one who was without sin could throw the first stone was an invitation no one was able to receive. The sinfulness of their own hearts was exposed, the stones were dropped, and the crowd was disbanded. The only One who was sinless and could rightly throw a stone simply engaged this woman in conversation rather than bring about her death. The conversation began with a question and ended with confrontation in love.

Today, the world would say to label something as sin means you are judging the person and judging them with condemnation and hypocrisy. They are quick to quote Scripture saying, “Judge not!” But Jesus sets the standard with balance. First, He didn’t put the woman to death. Second, He didn’t condemn her as a person. Third, He expressed the truth that her actions were sinful and she was to not continue in them. He knew that real freedom and the ability to move forward in her life would come only as she abandoned her immoral lifestyle. He knew how to confront this woman in love. We are not told the end of her story but my belief is that she left that day a changed woman with a changed life!

So where does this leave us when it comes to facing people who have made sinful choices? First, we must see the sinfulness of our own life. We may or may not have committed the same sin but we have sinned. Second, we must see the person as beside us rather than beneath us. Hating the sin but loving the sinner is impossible if we view the person as disgusting, repulsive, or one to be avoided. While their actions certainly affect them, they do not define them. Third, reach out to them in love, affirmation, and acceptance. Not acceptance of what they have done but rather acceptance of who they are. Forth, let them know the necessity of abandoning their sin. To leave them with the idea that things do not have to change is not only unloving but unbiblical as well. May God give us the grace, wisdom, and knowledge to approach others in the way Jesus so beautifully demonstrated.

Father, when I am tempted to think less of others because of their sin, stop me with the realization of my own. When I am tempted to remain silent on the issue of sin, help me to open my mouth and say what has to be said out of love and in love. I want to be like You! Amen.

Mary's Alabaster Box - CeCe Winans
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65S3GyA5E3o

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.