“If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.”
-John 8:7
I've gathered many a rock in my day, I'm sad to say. Feeling entitled to punish someone with what I think they deserve. That grieves me deeply.
Today, probably even more.
Because, I've been the one at whom the stone has been hurled. It connected.
It takes me back to a time of backyard forts with rocks hidden in the center of icy balls of snow. It hits. The sting. Then, you discover you've been hit with something greater than just a snowball. What was at the center, was meant for a greater pain.
Words can be that way too. Words flung by well meaning lips. Stones cast with entitlement, authority. Stones that had something at the center. An unidentified motive that was meant to sting.
If today you find yourself huddled with head covered in hopes of avoiding a barrage of judgmental stones, hear me: Jesus doesn't condemn you. He doesn't shake a crooked finger in your face as if to scold that thing that you can't seem to shake. He's not surprised by your weakness. In fact, He's drawn to it. He stands ready to shelter you. And to say to the bullies in your neighborhood...
“If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.”
If you look down and see the stones in your hand, know that there is hope for you too. Drop your stones and turn to the one who doesn't condemn but welcomes. And do so, before you find yourself dodging the same rocks that you hold right now.
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
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6 comments:
Thanks for the reminder, Carol.
I think all of us have been on both sides of the stone.
And yes, it hurts whether you're throwing or receiving.
Praying for you. Love you so much!
"Stones that had something at the center. An unidentified motive that was meant to sting."
That's truth right there.
I think the easiest way for us to learn to separate ourselves from the hurtful words hurled at us is to remember that they're said with a motive. They're a part of someone else's plan, not God's. Condemning and shame inducing words are hard to move past, but knowing that isn't how God feels about me makes it so much easier to shake it off and keep running my race.
Oh, Carol, I'm sorry for the ache and sting. Praying the Lord, wraps you up tight tonight and always.
Thanks for the reminder, as I find myself on both ends of the stone. It's the last two weeks of school. Nerves are frayed and tempers are sharp. Lord, help
me to respond with grace no matter what!
Much love to you, my sister!
Thanks for the good convicting Word, Carol.
So sorry you've been hurt. AGAIN. I'm praying for God's healing presence to overwhelm you and bring you into a spacious place of wholeness. He WILL.
Love, Susan
WHEW!! This is refreshing and REAL! I needed this today in the worst way. I keep throwing those stones at myself. Thank you. xxoo Oh...and isn't it about time we caught up with one another?! I miss you!
the old saying sticks and stones can break my bones but words can never hurt... such lies.
thank you for this wonderful reminder of just how powerful words are.
we can easily build up hearts or tear down....our choice. simple.
praying great wisdom comes from the pain.
{hugs}
@spreadingJOY
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