Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. 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? 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? 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.” Matt. 7:1-5
Lord Jesus, I didn’t wake up today with “gunk” in my eyes this morning, but with a plank. I went to bed last night critical of all the critics on social media, those marching in protests, and even people making cynical comments waiting to pay for their groceries. Therefore, I am no different than they are. A bad attitude is bad attitude, period.
Have mercy on me, Lord Jesus. You are ever forbearing, merciful, and gracious with me. Have mercy on me, the self-righteous sinner. My self-righteousness doesn’t show up in trying to merit more of your love, but in hair-trigger judgments, irritable-heart syndrome, and withholding kindness.
As Chief cardiologist and ophthalmologist, bring your love and truth to bear on my heart and my eyes. I want to love others as you love me, and see in them what you see in them. I want to respond with the grace of a beloved child, rather than reacting with the bite of a Pharisee. The plank in my eye is always a bigger issue than anybody else’s speck of sawdust.
My treasured theology says you are in control of all things; may my attitude, reactions, and presence affirm I really believe that is true. Humble me, gentle me, and change me, Lord Jesus. I want to live as a conduit of the truth and beauty of the gospel—when it’s easy to do so, and when it’s not. So very Amen I pray, in your merciful and mighty name.