Faults of Your Own

Bible Reading: Matthew 7:1-5

“I’m glad Mr. Sanders taught that lesson about the sin of judging others,” said Grant as he and his friend Wyatt left their classroom at church. “I hope Gabriella was listening. She always has the week’s Bible verse memorized, and she says anybody who doesn’t learn it is just plain lazy.”

“Yeah, that’s judging,” said Wyatt. “After all, not everybody can learn verses as fast as she can.” He frowned. “Maybe Mr. Sanders was thinking of Maria too. I heard her tell Aiden that if he were a better Christian, he would pay attention in class instead of goofing off all the time.”

“Or how about Josh?” Grant said. “He thinks he’s better than the rest of us because his dad’s the chief of police. Or at least he acts like he does.”

When the boys reached the sanctuary, Grant saw that his parents were already seated. “I gotta go sit down,” he said. “See you later, Wyatt.”

When Pastor Hunt got up to preach, Grant noticed the sermon was on the same Bible passage they’d talked about in Mr. Sanders’ class. “It’s so easy for us to see the faults of others and forget we have faults of our own,” Pastor Hunt said. “The image Jesus uses to illustrate how we often fail to see ourselves clearly is a log growing out of someone’s eye. Can you imagine what that would look like? Don’t you think that person would notice? Yet we often fail to see the log in our own eye—that is, the sinful attitudes in our own hearts—and instead point out every speck of sawdust we see in others.” Pastor Hunt shook his head. “Instead of nitpicking the faults of others, we must examine our own hearts and bring our sinful thoughts and actions before Jesus, who promises to forgive us.”

Grant sat stunned in the pew. He realized that ever since leaving the classroom, he and Wyatt had been judging their classmates, forgetting they had plenty of faults of their own. As Pastor Hunt said the closing prayer, Grant bowed his head. “Dear Jesus, I’m sorry for my prideful attitude and for judging my classmates,” he silently prayed. “Please forgive me.” He lifted his head and smiled, knowing he was forgiven. -Linda M. Weddle

How About You?

Are you quick to point out the faults of others without giving any thought to your own shortcomings? Jesus tells us not to judge others because we’re in need of His grace and forgiveness ourselves. Instead of focusing on other people’s wrongs, look at your own heart. Is there pride there? Selfishness? A tendency to gossip? Whatever sin you find, confess it to Jesus, and He will forgive you.

Today’s Key Verse: Matthew 7:1 Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. (NLT)

Today’s Key Thought:

Don’t judge others