Today’s Scripture is Matthew 7:3.
“Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but fail to notice the beam in your own eye?”
It’s easy for us to see what is wrong with others. We notice their mistakes, their bad habits, and their flaws. But we often overlook our own faults. Why? Because we judge others by what they do, but we judge ourselves by what we mean to do.
This is what Stephen Covey meant when he wrote, “We judge ourselves by our intentions and others by their actions.” This creates a blind spot in our understanding. We think we are better because we know our hearts, while we only see the outside of others.
This verse reminds us to take a closer look at ourselves before we criticize someone else. We should deal with our own shortcomings first. Only then can we help others in a loving way. Jesus knew how harmful it could be when we ignore our own faults but quickly point out someone else’s fault. It’s a form of hypocrisy that hurts relationships and keeps us from growing spiritually.
Instead of focusing on the flaws of others, let’s look inward, correct our own mistakes, and then we will be ready to help others.
I’m Lonnie Davis, and this is a thought worth thinking.