Dropping stones

He who is without sin, let him cast the first stone. Judge not, lest ye be judged.

Have we read the wrong thing into these scriptures? Stated by themselves they seem to say not to judge other people, but in contact it seems very different.

When Jesus made the statement about casting the first stone, wasn’t He saying the judgement was correct based on the law, but that we jump to the extreme punishment to quickly?

When Jesus said judge not, lest he be judged, wasn’t He saying be careful of the measure you use for it will be used against you as well?

Judgement is something that is given to us to help discern right from wrong. It is the punishments and heavy burdens we place on others that are the focal point of these statements.

I know my judgement. I have sinned and deserve death. Are you going to cast the first stone or will you love me enough to help me to see the error of my ways?

He also stated “Love your neighbor as yourself”