What is the first thought that comes to mind when you see a drunk person lying in a park? And when you see a prostitute?
The Pharisees brought to Jesus a woman who had been caught with another man, accused of adultery. They already had the stones ready to stone her, as the Old Testament law commanded, and they tried to put Jesus to the test, asking him what his position was on this matter.
The Bible says that “Jesus, bent down to the ground, wrote on the ground with his finger. And as he insisted on asking him, he straightened up and said to them: Whoever is without sin among you is the first to throw a stone at her… ”(John 8: 6-7). I love the fact that Jesus did not answer immediately, but took time to continue writing and doing what was in his heart. He did not rush to act under pressure from others, nor did he care to make a good impression.
No one knows what Jesus was writing on the ground, but somehow it was key to the effect that he gave. And at the right moment, is when He answered, taking the focus away from the woman, and turning it back to those who wanted to judge and condemn her.
Undoubtedly, what this woman did was wrong. But while the Pharisees only saw an undesirable woman who had broken the law and should die, Jesus saw a precious daughter who had lost her way, and who needed help. And that is what we are called to as well.
Dear friend, you are called to see beyond sin or appearances: you are called to see people with God's eyes. People need you to put the stones of accusation and blame aside, and remind them of their value, and of what God has called them to be. Honor them despite their failures, bless them with your words and your actions, and you will see God's work in their lives in an impressive way.