Throwing Stones
I've been doing a mental challenge of sorts with myself lately.
I've been taking note of any time I judge someone and confronting myself with that judgement. My first question is "why do I feel this way about this person?" "What makes me assume _x_ about them?" And usually, I've found, is that I haven't got a clear answer. My first instinct at times is to assume the negative about someone then go with that gut feeling. Without slowing down and thinking about it, I'm getting my stone ready to throw at them.
I'll admit, I've written and commented some mean-spirited things online in my day. I've gotten into pretty heated, nasty spats with others especially in the last year.
And what have I found come from these spats of mine? Nothing but more anger and turmoil.
I sat in Sunday school not too long ago and my leader went through the first several chapters of John. When she got to chapter 8 verse 7, the whole small class stopped and was quiet.
My leader read aloud:
"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."
Let me repeat that: "He that is without sin among you, let him first case a stone..."
Of course I've heard this verse plenty times before. It's, I dunno, Christianity 101. But Lord knows I needed to be reminded of that verse.
I'd like to ask my followers to do the same mental exercise this week. Every time you find yourself assuming something about someone, especially something negative, challenge yourself with asking yourself why you feel this way. Before you jump into the comment section and let your emotions get the best of you, pause.
Before you let malicious words leave your lips, remember John 8:7. Are you without sin? Should you be casting a stone?
