Photo courtesy of Lisa Leonard Online http://www.lisaleonardonline.com/
Recently, I encountered some stone throwers. You know the type. They are the individuals providing "feedback" in the form of negative criticism and less than kind remarks. Instead of providing encouragement, they thrive on telling you just how bad you really are. They focus on every imperfection you have, without seeing a single imperfection of their own. Stone throwers usually have loud voices and an outgoing personality. They like being on stage where they can draw attention to themselves by pointing out the problems of others. They begin an interaction on a positive note, but soon throw out a pebble by way of a negative comment. This typically is an invitation for others to join in by adding a small rock of support. Next thing you know, stones are flying everywhere! Before long you are left wondering, "What just happened?".
Recently, I encountered some stone throwers. You know the type. They are the individuals providing "feedback" in the form of negative criticism and less than kind remarks. Instead of providing encouragement, they thrive on telling you just how bad you really are. They focus on every imperfection you have, without seeing a single imperfection of their own. Stone throwers usually have loud voices and an outgoing personality. They like being on stage where they can draw attention to themselves by pointing out the problems of others. They begin an interaction on a positive note, but soon throw out a pebble by way of a negative comment. This typically is an invitation for others to join in by adding a small rock of support. Next thing you know, stones are flying everywhere! Before long you are left wondering, "What just happened?".
Most stone throwers are unhappy bullies disguised as people of prominence or importance. This was true when Jesus walked the earth and is still the case today. Of course, everyone has the potential of being a stone thrower, even you and I. It is an easy role to get into, but one that should be avoided at all cost. You can never truly know what others are living through, dealing with or feeling until you approach them from a place of love and get to know them. No one is perfect except Jesus Christ. The next time you get the urge to throw a stone, remember Jesus. Ask Him to provide you a heart and mind that will allow you to spread love, kindness and beauty instead of useless stones.
When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." John 8:7
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