Drop the Stone

Romans 2:1-4

When Jesus said that the one without sin should throw the first stone, the crowd dispersed one by one, beginning with the oldest. Their credentials could not cover their history. Their religious reputation could not conceal their own sin. We are often most aggressive in condemning in others the very things we struggle with ourselves. Self-righteousness blinds us to our own need for grace while sharpening our vision for the failures of others. Paul reminds us that it is the kindness of God that leads people to repentance, not the weight of a stone hurled in judgment.

Reflection: What stones are you still holding? Bitterness, judgment, self-righteousness, or the rehearsed failures of someone who has wronged you?

Practical Application: Write down the name of someone you have been judging or a resentment you have been carrying. Bring it to God in prayer and ask him to replace the stone in your hand with an open one.