Matthew 7:1–6 (NIV)

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.

6 “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.

James 4:12 (NIV)

12 There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?

There are two disciplines that have the power to transform your heart towards others so you can learn to love them. The first is to resist assuming the worst of someone, and the second is to choose to believe the best. Next week, we will focus on learning to choose to believe the best of others. This week, we take up the discipline to resist assuming the worst of others.

I am always struck by Jesus’ question, “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye?”. It is one thing to notice a speck; it is another to focus your attention in order to look at it. How close do you need to be standing and how intensely do you need to be staring in order to notice a speck of sawdust in someone’s eye? I imagine you would have to squint to see a speck of sawdust in someone’s eye, which means you end up not being able to see the rest of your brother clearly. All you can see is the fault, while everything else is blurry.

In the meantime, you “pay no attention to the plank in your own eye.” How much of your life would be hindered by having a plank in your eye? Imagine putting on a sweater! The plank limits our life, makes it hard to see, and increases the risk of infection and greater problems. Also, how many specks of sawdust are contained in a single plank? Perhaps what you see as a speck in your brother’s eye is just the reflection of the plank in your own eye?

Your Turn:

This week, you will resist the temptation to stare at the speck in your brother’s eye and focus on removing the plank from your own eye.

Step 1: Don’t Judge Others

• This is a discipline of abstinence. You just have to be intentional to not do something – in this case, to not judge.

• Refuse to think poorly or speak poorly about anyone this week.

• Ask Jesus to help you to carry mercy and compassion for those you interact with.

Step 2: Judge Yourself

• Every time you are tempted to judge someone else, every time you see someone else not being perfect, take a moment to reflect on where you are falling short of perfection.

• For each “plank” that you recognize, repent and ask Jesus to help you remove it.

• Recognize the mercy that God continually shows to you and thank Him for that.