Cancelled

Imagine a world in which everything you’ve ever done or ever said can be weaponized against you at any moment. An environment where just one thing from your past can destroy your reputation, your relationships, and your opportunities. 

Not much has to be imagined here because that’s the current climate we live in. It’s amazing what several million tweets and media coverage can accomplish. Jobs have been lost, deals revoked, advertisements pulled, and ties broken over words and actions (past and present). 

Now there’s something to be said for holding people accountable for inappropriate behavior and there are consequences that go along with that. But we’ve seen a major shift over the last few years from calling for accountability from others to calling for the complete cancellation of those we deem unworthy and unredeemable. But who are we as a society to make such a call? 

I’m reminded of a biblical example of cancel culture found in John 8. A woman found in the act of committing adultery was brought before Jesus. Her act was deemed so sinful that her cancellation would have called for her life, as the threat of being stoned to death was dangling before her. Yet, Jesus responded with the familiar words, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” (John 8:7, ESV). The mob who stood ready to pummel her to death dissipated with Jesus’ remark. 

Though it was the law that she should have been cancelled (stoned), literally to death, Jesus intercedes on her behalf. He deemed her worthy of grace and mercy. He saw her fit for forgiveness and redemption. 

Has Jesus not done the same for us? And if He can extend this grace and mercy to us, shouldn’t we as an extension of Him grant this same grace and mercy unto others? 

Again, that’s not to say that the principle of sowing and reaping is extinct. There is a need for accountability and at times that comes with consequences that may lead to people being canceled. But our hearts in dealing with others should never be total annihilation. 

In John 8:10-11, Jesus said to this woman after the crowd dispersed, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” To which she responds in verse 11, “She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.””

We should aim to operate like Christ who calls us out in love, shows us the right way, and offers us a path to redemption and restoration. Let us lovingly demonstrate to the world the right way through the example of our lives, and let us offer them grace and forgiveness so that they can go and sin no more.