We have all seen movies, or maybe read a book about a couple found while committing adultery. Or maybe it hits closer to home- and you were the one that discovered them. Extreme emotions arise- emotions of anger and shock. We want to drag the adulterer out, and find a way for justice and even humiliation.
I can see myself, standing among the accusers. How dare this person dishonor me in this way? I'm hurt, and want revenge. Who will help me find the justice I am seeking for my betrayer? I have many who are angry with me. Every single one accompanying me wants this sinner to pay for the offense, and carries stones to throw at him. We bring the betrayer to a Man, sitting in the temple. We tell Him of what this person has done. Isn't it punishable to a high degree? This is a direct disobedience to one of the basic Ten Commandments- surely He will help us. He is known to many as One who has great authority.
The Man doesn't say anything. It's crazy, that He would just sit there. If He had seen what I saw, and felt the things I felt, surely He would help me. I look at my spouse with disapproval, and even something deeper- disdain. The more I argued my case, I began to see the others, drop their stones and slowly walk away. One by one they left me standing there with my husband, and this Man. How could they leave me, when they were supposed to be my friends? I felt betrayed by them as well. And so I looked at this Man, as He began writing in the sand with His finger.
And in the silence, I began to reflect on my life. This Man was quiet, yet His eyes caused me to begin a good self assessment. And it's as if a screen begins to unfold before me. I see myself telling lies to those who love me. I hear my voice whispering "I hate you," when I was punished by my loving parent. I see my hands hit my very own brother. I see myself make a choice to touch someone I shouldn't. I hear my thoughts daydream of killing someone that wronged me. I see myself drawn to sexual sin. I turn my back on those that are poor, and in need of help. I hear myself scream at my child that needed my attention, rather than disapproval. I disciplined out of anger. I spoke against my husband. I failed to show love to a neighbor. I judged other people's sins, and failed to see the severity of my own. And tears began to slip down my face. I turned to look at my spouse, and I no longer see him with anger. I look at this Man, and I feel loved, rather than judged. And I silently turn, let the stone drop from my hand, and leave this Man with my husband. And I walk away convicted of my own sin, and lovingly aware of overwhelming grace received from this Man, called Jesus.
***This is a story found in John 8:1-11. I have used it for the setting of my own story, to show how Jesus sees each one of us, carrying our own stones against our betrayers. I pray you'll join me, in having the courage to release your grip on the stones, and reflect on God's grace towards you <3
But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, Matthew 5:44 ESV
Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:31-32 ESV
Dear Heavenly Father, it's so easy for me to see the wrong in my betrayers, and want retribution. What was done was wrong, and it hurt me. And yet when I am drawn to look closely at my own heart, I am convicted of my own story of sin, hurt and betrayal. Help me to drop any stone I may wish to cast at others, and offer the grace You offer me. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen!
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