Day 285 - Be Aware of Words the Hurt

Julie Austin

“Now the scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman caught in the act of adultery, and after placing her in the center of the courtyard, 4 they said to Him, ‘Teacher, this woman has been caught in the very act of committing adultery. 5 Now in the Law, Moses commanded us to stone such women; what then do You say?’ 6 Now they were saying this to test Him, so that they might have grounds for accusing Him. But Jesus stooped down and with His finger wrote on the ground. 7 When they persisted in asking Him, He straightened up and said to them, ‘He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.’ 8 And again He stooped down and wrote on the ground. 9 Now when they heard this, they began leaving, one by one, beginning with the older ones, and He was left alone, and the woman where she was, in the center of the courtyard. 10 And straightening up, Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, where are they? Did no one condemn you?’ 11 She said, ‘No one, Lord.’ And Jesus said, ‘I do not condemn you, either. Go. From now on do not sin any longer.’” - John 8:3-11 NASB

Several years ago, a young girl God had allowed me to mentor for a season found out she was pregnant. This was not a great time for her to have a child, and she had every earthly reason to terminate her pregnancy. After several conversations and attempts to convince her she should not choose abortion, she ultimately terminated the pregnancy. About a year later, she called me. It didn’t take long for her to tell me she regretted the choice. Christmas was approaching, and she realized that she should be buying Christmas presents for her little girl. I tried to comfort her with the knowledge that her little girl was resting safely in the arms of Jesus. I assured her that God’s grace was available to her. He loved her and would forgive her.

I have always been an advocate for life. However, my focus has always been on saving the child’s life. It was not until I had that conversation with a beautiful young girl whom I loved deeply that my focus shifted. What I told her was true. Although her baby girl’s life had been tragically cut short, she was with Jesus. However, my sweet friend was left broken and hurting. The scars of her decision were deep. Forgiving herself was difficult, and accepting forgiveness from God is still a struggle for her.

Last summer, the Supreme Court overturned Roe vs. Wade. The federal government no longer protects abortion. Instead, it is up to each state to decide abortion laws. A great deal of confusion and emotion emerged due to this decision. What followed was a barrage of opinions flooding social media—some supporting the decision and some attacking it. No one could escape seeing the vile pictures or hearing hurtful words. Unfortunately, many of these things came from Christians. There was a time when I would have joined by sharing a photo, liking a comment, or offering my profound and spiritual opinion.

But now, all I could do was imagine how much pain this was causing a young girl who made a desperate choice when she thought she had no other option. I think of every woman who chose abortion and may now live with regret or remorse. I now understand that the baby is not the only victim of abortion. The mother will endure a lifetime of painful reminders. She will have to battle self-condemnation and the judgmental words of strangers and friends alike.

When the Pharisees brought the adulterous woman before him, they wanted to test Jesus. Would he be obedient to the law and condemn this woman to be stoned to death? He said nothing to her. Instead, he invited anyone without sin to cast the first stone. Once every Pharisee left, no one was left to condemn her. Jesus did not point out each of her sins. He did not lecture her on the evils of adultery. He did not discuss how her sin was eroding societal norms. Instead, He simply told her to go and leave her life of sin.

Next Steps

Think about it: How often are you willing to “throw a stone?” Do you use your platform, position, or influence to condemn others for their actions?
Think about it: Are you more like the Pharisees or Jesus? How quick are you to extend grace?
Action Step: Take a break from social media to consider your motive for participating on the platform. When you return, pray before posting political or religious opinions. Consider the power of your words.