Ouch
- April Ross
- 13 minutes ago
- 3 min read
“He has forgiven us over and over. His love never fails, even when we do.”
“Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?” Matthew 7:3 ESV
Oh, how this sermon from Jesus hurts! It hits right to the core of our faith. It’s an ouch or amen moment. Why do you think Jesus spoke about this? Why is it so much easier to see other’s problems than our own?
In the Bible there are plenty of men and women who were judged harshly by their peers. Two that stand out to me are Zacheus, and the woman at the well. They both lived ungodly lives and probably knew it was wrong, but continued to live in sin. It was easier to continue on that same path and feel the judgment of others, than to stop and change their ways. Turning their lives around would have been hard, because peers tend to be there reminding us of our failures.
But not Jesus! He came to each of them and spoke in love and understanding. He didn’t judge, but He did counsel and show them the error of their ways. He made them believe in themselves and brought them back into God's loving arms.
It’s hard for us as Christians to see someone faltering in their faith, or unbelievers doing harm to themselves by not living in God’s truth. Our instincts are to criticize or reject them and their actions, possibly even calling them out in anger, or talking badly behind their backs. But as Jesus reminds us over and over, we are to love our neighbors, and let His love pour out of us, because we are all sinners. We make mistakes too, but Jesus is always there to set us back on the right path. He has forgiven us over and over. His love never fails, even when we do. Romans 2:4 tells us this, “Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?” God wants us to stop, remove the hate from our own eyes and start looking in love on all those people around us.
So, before we jump on the bandwagon of judging others or gossiping, let’s remember all that Jesus has shown to us; He is kind, patient, understanding and full of love. He gives us more chances than we deserve. He never gives up on us!
Take these action steps to help you remove the log from your eyes:
Think of someone you may have judged wrongly, and start praying for that person daily, giving them over to God.
Think back on times when others may have been judging you. Write out how God showed up and brought you out of that time.
Remind yourself and your kids to look for the good in others, just as Christ does with us.
If being judgmental or gossiping is something you struggle with, take it to Jesus. Ask Him to help you see others the way He does, and to help hold your tongue when you go to speak falsely about others.
Read about Zacheus in Luke 19, and the woman at the well in John 4. Notice how Jesus treats them.
Comment on the MMF app-Why do you think Jesus speaks so firmly on not being judgmental? How we can stop ourselves from getting caught up in it?
Prayer: Jesus, we all have fallen short of Your glory, but You picked us up, dusted us off, and helped us get back on the right path. Give us the help we need to not look unkindly toward others who are struggling with their own demons. Give us the strength and courage to help support these people in our lives, without condemnation, but in patience and love. Open their eyes to see You working in them, and let Your love flow through us, so that Your glory shines on them and brings them back to You and Your ways. In Jesus name, Amen
Written by April, mom of 3 kiddos