throwing stones

the events surrounding our little "black mold" incident over the weekend has prompted me to consider sin, accountability and judgementalism.
without going into too many specifics, there was, months ago, a transgression.
there was discovery, accountability and repentance.
but forgiveness was in short supply. even with encouragement to that end, it was still being held fast with the grip of self-righteousness.
now months later, there is a "judgement" over possessiveness. monopolizing the time of another. . . mainly, having a relationship that pulls one away from the group. . .
is it right to harbor ill-feelings toward someone for something they did (not to you in particular) months ago? some would call it carrying a grudge. others would call it consequence of sin.
how long should someone have to suffer for something that is over and done with?
how long must someone wear the scarlet letter?
for the rest of us. . . those in the amphitheatre of the arena. . . waiting for the hungry lion to be let loose. to run and devour to the cheers of many. . . what are we doing watching such a display? and some of us cheering on the lion?
why do we feel we need to be a party to this humiliation and judgement?
do we have any business reaching down to pick up the stone, feel its weight in our hand, turning it over to allow it to fit in our hand the best way, wind our arm back and throw the stone with all of our might?
i can't help but hear my Savior's words . . . "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her."
it's not to say we shouldn't hold our brothers and sisters in Christ to a higher standard. to hold them accountable to live out the lives Jesus has called us to. but likewise, this goes for us, too. are we so without sin that we can feel morally superior to others and proclaim judgements?
i daresay, if we were in the practice of speaking the truth in love, we would have no cause to reach down to pick up any stones. or send that text. or tell that friend. . .
we'd go right to the source and have a heart-to-heart.
the fruit of the spirit is joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, goodness and self control.
if we all focused on that kind of living standards, we'd be more of a blessing and would have fewer opportunities to cave in to sin.