The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” (John 8:3, 4, 7 NIV)
We have come into an age of instant condemnation. Go ahead. Look at your Facebook feed. Undoubtably there is a news story on there about someone who was arrested for something. The comments below are horrible. They are filled with angry people suggesting punishment (most of which would be considered cruel and unusual). There are at least two things wrong with this. 1- The person was arrested, not tried and convicted. What ever happened to "innocent until proven guilty?" And 2 - There are all those stones being cast! Perhap those commenting should remember the sin in their own lives first.
Imagine being the one dragged in front of the angry mob. It can happen today. It wouldnt take much to find your name or face plastered on Facebook being condemned and not being able to share your side of the story. All those stones being flung.
Now be honest. Maybe you don't actually comment on these stories, but don't you form an opinion based - not even on the whole story that you have to click on to read - put just the posted few lines that are designed to get your attention? I know I have done it.
I'm giving up "fast food news" for Lent. I am taking them all off my news feed. I'm not sure yet where I will go for the news. Unfortunately I think it is all junk these days. My hope is that I will be a more compassionate person come Easter.
Father,
Remove this spirit of condemnation within me and within so many others that have instant access to incomplete news stories. Help us to remember that it could be us dragged in front of the people with stones next time. Amen.
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