Forgiving, pt 2
OPENING PRAYER:
Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things out of your law. Amen
READ:
“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." (Matthew 7:1-5)
REFLECT:
Ever hear the saying “be careful pointing your finger at another for there are three of your own pointing back at you”? So true. Jesus cautions us about judging. Why? One reason here is that one who judges is quickly subject to being judged. So often what we see offensive or hurtful in others we are blind to in ourselves. One teacher I have heard calls these our blind spots. We see them in others so easily but not in what we do or say. Jesus uses a comparative illustration- a speck of sawdust against a plank of wood. Who could fail to catch this distinction of measurement? He warns that “...with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” The same measurement standards apply to our choosing to forgive others. Are we without sin? Are there no blind spots in our life that others clearly see as big hunks of wood? Are we quick to withhold forgiveness of others when God has forgiven us so much?
APPLY:
So what measure are you using to choose to forgive or not forgive others? The sawdust speck of difference between their offense and your own or the plank of difference between your life and Christ’s? “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:8-9 (NIV) Ask God today to deal with your pride of unforgiveness. Ask God to bring to mind anyone you have judged unfairly and to give you opportunity to make it right. Do it today and experience his forgiveness and a purification in your spirit.
CLOSING PRAYER:
Dear Lord, may the truth of your word move my feet to action today as I seek to be a humble and obedient Christ follower. Amen
WORSHIP: