“He that is WITHOUT SIN among you, let him first CAST A STONE at her” (John 8:7).

One of the most convicting and challenging stories in all of the Gospels is the story of the adulterous woman being brought to Jesus after being caught in the very act of adultery.  The story is convicting to me, because in far too many cases, I like the Pharisees and scribes of Jesus’ time, tend to want the sins of others to be judged and judged ruthlessly. The story is challenging to me because of the love and compassion that Christ demonstrated, in spite of the expectations of the religious leaders of His day!

Here’s the million dollar question: If we were there 2,000 years ago would we be qualified to CAST A STONE at the adulterous woman? If not, what makes us think we are qualified to CAST STONES today?

There was only One who was there on that day qualified to CAST A STONE. His name is Jesus! Yet, this same Jesus, exhibiting divine love and compassion, chose not to CAST A STONE, but to forgive, and then commanded the woman to go and not sin again!

It is COMPASSION that springs from a heart of love, not CONDEMNATION that springs from the law, that transforms hearts and lives!

Just reflecting on the unbelievable compassion and love of Christ!!!