Pride and Judgment: The Danger of a "Holier-Than-Thou" Spirit
A Sermon on God’s Love, Mercy, and Compassion vs. Self-Righteous Condemnation

Text: "Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her." — John 8:7
Introduction: The Trap of Spiritual Pride

One of the most dangerous sins in the church is not drunkenness, adultery, or greed—it is self-righteous judgment. It is the sin of the Pharisee who looks down on the tax collector (Luke 18:9-14). It is the attitude of those who say, "Thank God I’m not like them."

Jesus reserved His harshest words not for prostitutes, thieves, or drunkards—but for religious leaders who used God’s law as a weapon rather than a mirror. They majored in condemnation rather than compassion, in rules rather than redemption.

This sermon contrasts man’s prideful judgment with God’s love, mercy, and compassion.
1. The Problem: "Holier-Than-Thou" Christianity
A. The Sin of the Pharisees

Jesus repeatedly clashed with the religious elite because they:

Elevated tradition over love (Mark 7:9-13)


Burdened people with legalism (Matthew 23:4)


Judged others while ignoring their own sin (Matthew 7:3-5)

They were quick to stone the adulterous woman (John 8:1-11) but slow to examine their own hearts.
B. Modern-Day Pharisees

Many Christians today:

Gossip about sinners rather than grieve for them.


Pride themselves on morality while ignoring their own pride, anger, or unforgiveness.


Use Scripture as a hammer rather than a healing balm.

Question: Are we more like Jesus—full of grace and truth (John 1:14)—or like the Pharisees—full of rules and rejection?
2. The Standard: "Let Him Without Sin Cast the First Stone"

When the Pharisees brought the adulterous woman to Jesus, they did not care about justice—they wanted to trap Him. But Jesus turned the tables:


"Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her." (John 8:7)

One by one, the accusers walked away. Why? Because no one is sinless.
A. We All Fall Short


"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." — Romans 3:23

The man who judges the alcoholic struggles with lust.


The woman who scorns the unwed mother harbors bitterness.


The preacher who condemns homosexuality has pride in his heart.

We are all in need of grace.
B. Mercy Triumphs Over Judgment


"Judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment." — James 2:13

God does not excuse sin—but He redeems sinners. The same Jesus who told the woman, "Go and sin no more" (John 8:11), also said, "Neither do I condemn you."

Condemnation pushes people away from God; compassion draws them to Him.
3. The Solution: Walking in Love, Mercy, and Compassion
A. Love Covers a Multitude of Sins


"Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins." — 1 Peter 4:8

Love does not rejoice in evil (1 Cor. 13:6), but it does not parade another’s sin either.


Love corrects gently (Galatians 6:1), not with a spirit of superiority.
B. We Are Called to Restore, Not Condemn


"Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently." — Galatians 6:1

Restoration implies that the goal is healing, not humiliation.


Gentleness means we approach others in humility, knowing we too could fall.
C. God’s Heart: Compassion Over Condemnation


"For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." — John 3:17

If Jesus did not come to condemn, who are we to do so?
Conclusion: Drop the Stones and Extend Grace

The religious leaders walked away from the adulterous woman because they were convicted. But Jesus stayed. He didn’t excuse her sin—He forgave it.
Three Challenges for Us Today:

Examine Your Own Heart First (Matthew 7:5).


Replace Judgment with Intercession (1 Timothy 2:1).


Show Mercy as You Have Received Mercy (Matthew 5:7).

The world doesn’t need more judges—it needs more ambassadors of Christ’s love.


"He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." — Micah 6:8

Let us be known not for our condemnation, but for our compassion—not for our pride, but for His love.

Amen.