Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged. And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own? How can you think of saying to your friend, “Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,” when you can’t see past the log in your own eye? Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye. Matthew 7:1-5 NLT
You’ve heard the saying, “The other driver’s headlights are always brighter than your own.” That’s not only a truism, but it is also an updated version of Jesus’ observation about us and our judgments about other people. Their flaws are always so much bigger and more annoying than ours. It’s hard to remember that we ourselves are someone else’s most difficult person.
Are we not permitted to look at the evidence about another person and make a decision. Of course. Jesus was not prohibiting using our minds and making wise decisions. He was calling us to use discernment and make a different kind of judgment.
The judgment God desires and people need is …
- Realistic and humble about the fact that I will also be judged by God in the same kind of fashion as I gave it.
- Focused on grace, not condemnation. Maturity and mercy guide my words and actions.
- Rooted in self-reflection. I look at myself and own my hypocrisy. I know I magnify small faults (specks) in others and ignore much larger problems (logs) in my own life.
- Personal before I try to help someone else. I acknowledge that my flaws distort my ability to see others clearly, making objective, true help impossible. Correction starts with me. When I deal with my own sin and failure first, I will have clear vision and the right heart to help the other person.
I can begin by asking myself honest questions. What "log" (habit, attitude, or sin) in my life blinds me to my own faults and others? Do I notice a "speck" in someone else's life out of genuine concern or a superior and critical attitude? How can I work with God to transform my own heart first so I can extend true, merciful help to others?
- Father, as I am seeking to love like Jesus, I need Your help. Seeing others without criticism is not my natural response. Please help me be emptied of my critical spirit and be filled with gentleness and grace to build up, not tear down. My friend and I both have things that distort our clear vision. Help us work with You for Your Kingdom and our good.