I have really been struggling with the idea of people being canceled. We are all flawed. I screw up daily. I try hard to say all the right things. I try hard to be clear and not offend. I pray my words are not taken out of context. I hold back on important topics.
There are reprehensible acts and words that should result in the loss of a job or even prosecution. However, many of us are acting like the Pharisees. We cancel others. We become judge and jury. We say hurtful words in return and feel justified.
3 The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group4 and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery.5 In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women.Now what do you say?”6 They were using this question as a trap,in order to have a basis for accusing him. But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. 7 When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” 8 Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. 9 At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. 10 Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” 11 “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.” (John 8:3-11 NIV).
Jesus taught us love, grace and mercy. It is for all of us even the people who do reprehensible things. He didn’t condemn the adulterer. He offered grace. He offered another chance. He offered transformation and redemption. Jesus didn’t canceled anyone not even the person who betrayed him. I need to do the same. I need to offer others what I need for myself.
How are you with the cancel culture we live in? How is God using you to offer grace and mercy to others? Share your experience here and breathe life and bring hope to others.