When Tested… Use Wisdom

There are times in life when we are tested by those with opposing opinions regarding our faith. As believers, we sometimes find ourselves caught in arguments and confrontations that could have been avoided had we exercised wisdom and sound judgment. As I look at the example given by Jesus in St. John 8:3-10, He shows us the proper way to handle discrepancies when they come.

When the scribes and Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery. They made her stand in the middle of the court and put the case before Him. Teacher, they said, This woman has been caught in the very act of adultery. Now Moses in the Law commanded us that such [women--offenders] shall be stoned to death. But what do You say [to do with her--what is Your sentence]? This they said to try (test) Him, hoping they might find a charge on which to accuse Him. But Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground with His finger. However, when they persisted with their question, He raised Himself up and said, Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her. Then He bent down and went on writing on the ground with His finger. They listened to Him, and then they began going out, conscience-stricken, one by one, from the oldest down to the last one of them, till Jesus was left alone, with the woman standing there before Him in the center of the court. When Jesus raised Himself up, He said to her, Woman, where are your accusers? Has no man condemned you? She answered, No one, Lord! And Jesus said, I do not condemn you either. Go on your way and from now on sin no more.(AMP)

When Jesus was presented with this case by hypocritical religious people, He could have very well called them out for their audacity. Because remember, the sole mission of the Pharisees that day was to develop a valid accusation against Jesus in order to arrest Him and later kill Him. Knowing this I’m sure that Jesus took His moment of silence to write in order to gather His thoughts and hear from the Father. Have you ever found yourself in the middle of a potential argument? Did you immediately argue your point, or were you able to take a quick moment to gather your thoughts and make a wise comment? It’s so easy for us to emotionally lash out in the heat of an argument; however, such a decision is unwise. When we take a moment to gather our thoughts and then make a sound, God initiated, decision we will then look up and notice that all our accusers have disappeared.

Therefore look up brothers and sisters and notice that your naysayers have left and that only Jesus stands before you. And all He asks of you is that you turn from your sinful ways.

Be blessed good people.

Nikki D