1. “Do
not judge, or you too will be judged. 2 For in the same way you judge others,
you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.3
“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no
attention to the plank in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, ‘Let
me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your
own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then
you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.
The ramification and practical application of these
verses are life changing. We are not to judge others unless we are prepared to
be measured likewise. We must stop obsessing on other people’s sin and things
in our minds that are not right. We usually approach someone who has offended
us with “righteous” indignation where in fact we should be looking in the
mirror at ourselves! If we follow the logic in Jesus’ words we should attend to
our own shortcomings and sins. Once we have sufficiently asked for and received
forgiveness then we can help someone with theirs. When we follow this wisdom
then we will deal with each other with more love, care, grace, and mercy. The
outcome will not only make for a better solution to the problem, but will also
be more beneficial to both parties for eternity.
Be wise today and always - keep your foot out of your mouth and the plank out of your eye!
