20 February 2025_IGNITE YOUR DAY : Drop the Stone - Living Beyond Judgment and Resentment

IGNITE YOUR DAY: Drop the Stone - Living Beyond Judgment and Resentment

Key Text: John 8:1-11

This week, our theme is Living in the Freedom of Forgiveness—a life unshackled, free from resentment, bitterness, and the weight of judgment.

Today’s message is simple: Drop the stone - Living beyond judgement and resentment

We live in a world where judgment comes easily. We judge others, and we ourselves are judged. But this morning, I urge us to release the burden of judgmental attitudes because they contribute to the heaviness in our hearts—the same weight that unforgiveness brings.

John 8:1-11 tells the story of a woman caught in adultery. She was dragged before Jesus early one Sabbath morning, her accusers armed with stones, ready to condemn her to death according to the Law of Moses.

But Jesus responded differently. He stooped down and wrote on the ground, then stood and said, "Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her." One by one, her accusers dropped their stones and walked away, leaving the woman alone with Jesus.

Just like those Pharisees held physical stones, many of us carry invisible stones:

Stones of judgment—quick to condemn others but slow to extend grace.

Stones of resentment—holding onto past hurts and refusing to forgive.

Stones of bitterness—allowing old wounds to control our emotions and relationships.

Many people have been wounded by these stones, often unfairly. Some of us have been holding onto these stones for years—perhaps from childhood, marriage, or friendships—using past mistakes as weapons to hurt others repeatedly. Even when forgiveness is sought, we hold onto the offense, refusing to let go.

A Call to Mercy and Grace

The hypocrisy in this biblical story is evident: the woman was caught in adultery, but where was the man? If she was caught in the act, wasn’t he equally guilty? Yet, in this male-dominated society, she alone was shamed and condemned.

How often do we see similar injustices today? People are publicly ridiculed and humiliated, their dignity stripped away. But Jesus reminds us that before we judge others, we must examine our own hearts.

Matthew 7:3-5 says:

“Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye but fail to notice the plank in your own eye? First, remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”

We judge others harshly while ignoring our own faults. But if God exposed all of our sins, would we still be so quick to condemn? Would we still speak about others with such self-righteousness?

Time to Let Go

This morning, I ask you: What stones are you still holding?

Is it time to drop them? Yes, I believe it is.

Judgment, resentment, and bitterness weigh us down. They imprison our hearts and prevent us from experiencing the freedom of forgiveness.

Jesus calls us to let go of these burdens and embrace His grace. He invites us to live free—not shackled by past hurts or consumed by a spirit of judgment.

So today, let’s make a choice. Let’s drop the stones and walk in the freedom that Christ offers.

Prayer:
Lord, help us to release the stones we have been carrying—judgment, resentment, and bitterness. Teach us to extend grace as You have extended grace to us. Let us walk in the freedom of forgiveness, unshackled by the weight of the past. In Jesus' name, Amen.