Scripture to Read: Matthew 7:5
Jesus clarifies for us what He has in mind about how we are to judge another brother or sister in Christ. Jesus said in Matthew 7:5, “You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.” Over the past four days, we have examined (verse by verse) what Jesus said in Matthew 7:1–4, and today, we see that judging is not a sin when it is done as Jesus commands. We must constantly examine our own life before we examine anyone else’s life. Jesus told us to make sure that there is not a log in our own eye, which would be any unconfessed sin that is blinding us. But once we get the log out of our own eye, Jesus said that we are then able to see clearly to help remove the speck from our brother or sister in Christ. So, Jesus never intended for us not to judge at all but to make sure we judge from a pure heart; that is why God tells us in 2 Timothy 2:22, “Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.” We must flee from all sinful actions and attitudes and pursue the characteristics of Christ along with other Christians who are doing the same thing. We know our purity is found through our relationship with Christ. Therefore, pursuing Christ and His Word keeps us on the path of purity.
Challenge & Application
· What is the prerequisite before we can see clearly to judge anyone else’s life?
· How do we stay on the path of purity so that we’re not blinded by the path of sin?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!