Many times we hear these words as a rebuke of our correcting someone sinning. The actual point is that self examination needs to precede our pronouncement of judgement on someone else. Jesus goes on to point out logs and specks in this passage. Our vision of others faults and sins seems so much clearer than the vision we have when we see our own faults and sins. The Bible is meant as a mirror much more that it is meant as a weapon.

       The necessity of the moment is to know the scriptures. That only comes through the regular reading and study of God’s word. Give the Holy Spirit material to work with in your life. Just like the woman caught in adultery others know they have sinned. Our position as a brother or sister is to walk them back to the truth and to right living. This is to be done with humility and gentleness. The crowd around the woman caught in adultery was all ages. Jesus gave those pointed words. “Let the one without sin cast the first stone.” Interestingly the author makes a note who leaves first. John 8:9 But when they heard it, they went away one by one, beginning with the older ones, and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him.  

Those that have lived longer have sinned more. They also have received more grace from others and from God for their sins. The woman’s sin had been pointed out. Jesus gently walks her towards future obedience. If your friend is sinning and you know, take time to gently help them out of their sin, and someday they will help you.