A few weeks ago I was reading through the book of John when I came across the story of the woman caught in the act of adultery. I had read this passage before but that day, a phrase stood out to me a little differently than it had in times past. Jesus asked the woman where her accusers were and told her to look around. He asked if anyone was condemning her. She responded with a broken “no one, Lord.” His response: “neither do I…”

“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” Romans 8:1

How many times have you felt the same way? When you feel like you have sinned or fallen short of glory, a lot of people tend to hide in shame. You wonder who is accusing you or how you can make it right. Isn’t it just like our loving Savior to bend down, write something in the sand and have everyone who you thought was judging you walk away? No matter the size of your sin or if the whole world knows or even if no one does, the principle still rings true. When you look to Jesus and find true forgiveness, you will not find condemnation in His eyes or His actions. You will be welcomed with love and the absence of stones being thrown.

He is a loving, merciful Savior who is there to forgive you, restore you, and rid you of your accusers. Those people you think are judging you, they have their own faults. They have no place to point fingers at you. “Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.” We all make mistakes. That is part of what makes us human. Please, I beg you, get back up when you stumble. Do not let others define your worth. When Jesus asks where your faultfinders are, look around and see that there are none. They cannot condemn you. Friend, I know you may feel like you have sinned too often or too big, but hear the Savior say through this article, “Neither do I do condemn thee.” Please stop beating yourself up. Stop condemning yourself when you have already been forgiven.

Where are your accusers? They are human just like you. They need grace just like you. The first stone could not be thrown because Jesus is the only one who can rightfully move them. The first stone wasn’t thrown because He was preparing to roll away the last one. He died for you. He moved the stone that held Him in the grave so that no one can throw them in your direction.

Remember, stones are used for building, not for throwing. Stones are used to mark a place, not to place shame on someone. They are used to build altars and to make paths. “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.” Psalm 118:22

Walk in that authority. Walk in your forgiveness and freedom. The first stone cannot be thrown.

Rachel Skirvin is a lover of travel, nachos, and the gospel. She is a graduate of Urshan College and will most likely always call it Gateway. She is pursuing her master’s degree in counseling and human services and is currently serving at The Pentecostals of Cooper City in South Florida.