Put Down That Rock

 

By Andrea Merrell

Don’t hit back; discover beauty in everyone.

If you’ve got it in you, get along with everybody.

Don’t insist on getting even; that’s not for you to do.

“I’ll do the judging,” says God. “I’ll take care of it.”

Romans 12:19 MSG

 

The little boy stood with feet apart and hand raised high, ready to throw the rock at his older brother for teasing him. “You’ll be sorry!” he shouted.

Seconds before the threat was carried out, their mom stepped outside. “Put down that rock, Son. That’s not how we handle things.”

I wonder how often God wants to say to us, “Put down that rock, my child. That’s not how I’ve taught you to handle things.”

Rocks come in the form of verbal jousts. Criticism. Judgements. Those times we’re tempted to fling accusations and hurtful words to get back at someone.

When the woman was caught in the very act of adultery and flung at Jesus’ feet, her accusers stood by, ready to stone her to death. Jesus told them to go ahead—as long as they were without sin. In other words (my translation), “Forget it, boys, not a one of you is sinless.”

We’re told all through the Scriptures to love one another. To be kind. To pray for our enemies. Not to repay evil for evil. To turn the other cheek. That involves a choice and requires a large measure of self-control When our flesh screams, “I’m going to make them pay,” God says to us, “No, my child, leave it in my hands. Love, forgive, and move on. I’ve got this.”

No matter what, God’s way is always better … so put down that rock.

Photo by Arnaud Gillard on Unsplash