the circle

I really enjoy our new series, and I am always moved by the story of the adulterous woman that everyone but Jesus wanted to stone. It speaks to how strong the group mentality is. Obviously this was a different culture, and adultery was taken much more seriously then. However, it saddens me to think that no one else rose to this woman’s defense. No lover, no friend, no family member. No one else thought she deserved a chance to change. I wish we could know how she felt to see this man Jesus step inside the circle to save her.

            I am sure I have written about this before, but it is so important: Let us not throw stones. It seems an obvious statement when taken literally. But they wanted to throw stones for punishment and judgment. What does that look like in our culture today? Punishment and judgment is not the responsibility of the individual. Let us not hurl words to injure and alienate. Let us step inside the circle. Because we have all sinned. It is only through admitting this that Jesus can save us.

Beth Kropf