[Eugene Estes]

This week’s devotional is from Matthew chapter 7, verses 3-4, where Jesus asks why we are quick to notice the speck in another’s eye while ignoring the log in our own. This passage is a metaphor: the speck represents a small fault and the log a greater one. Jesus warns us against focusing on minor faults in others while overlooking our larger shortcomings. This week’s devotional reminds us to extend grace and love to others rather than judge them.
In the Bible, God cautions us in several passages about judging others. He tells us not to judge, lest we be judged, and encourages us in the Lord’s Prayer to forgive others so that we may be forgiven. In the book of John, Jesus saves an adulterous woman from being stoned by telling the crowd that whoever is without sin should cast the first stone. They all leave, recognizing their own faults. Often, we may judge others for sins such as alcoholism, because we do not struggle with it ourselves, forgetting that we too have our own faults, whether knowingly or unknowingly.
God shows us mercy and forgives us of our shortcomings countless times though we are undeserving of His great love. As I self-reflect on this week’s devotional I think I try to be patient with others, often trying to understand and figure out why a person acts the way they do as it could be a result of past traumas. I am challenged to ensure I do a self-evaluation regularly of how I live my life, if it pleases God. And if my life does not please God, to repent and mend my ways as God is faithful to forgive me and restore us back to His kingdom. I will also correct others with love if they fall astray instead of judging them.