Casting Stones

"If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone ..." -- John 8:7b

One of the most difficult rejections to accept comes from the members of a church congregation. Jesus said all are welcome at His altar. Yet some church members don't agree. Imagine that. It's just something I can't get my mind around.

Oh, they'll say their rejection only comes from "love." Rejection isn't love. It's simply rejection. It's saying someone is not worthy to be a part of your group. That's what denying church membership is all about. Deciding who's worthy and who isn't. Funny thing is I always thought the only thing that mattered is whether someone believes that Jesus is God's son, that He came to this earth in human form, suffered and died for us and after three days He was raised from the dead to take His place next to the Father. What else matters?

So someone is denied membership because of a divorce. Or maybe they weren't baptized the "right" way. Maybe it's their job or their skin color or something else that doesn't determine their eternal salvation.

Jesus said those without sin are to cast stones. Since none of us are without sin, why do some believe it okay to cast stones. Christianity isn't an exclusive club with membership determined by a clique. Jesus determined the members -- and He said everyone is welcome.