Luke 6:42 (NKJV)
42 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me remove the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the plank that is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck that is in your brother’s eye.
Isn’t it easy for us to see the imperfections of others while, at the same time, overlooking our shortcomings? When we are calling attention to someone’s faults, we are doing it for their own good. When they tell us about our shortcomings, they are being critical. It is hard to weigh the faults of others without putting our thumb on the scale.
Jesus is doing a whole theme on judging others where He tells us not to judge or we will be judged. There is only one Judge and it is not you or me. Our Judge is gracious, compassionate and forgiving. Not many of us can claim that status. He says “forgive and you will be forgiven.” This verse tells us to not be a hypocrite, condemning others while we are also guilty. We all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. There is none who is free of sin. Fortunately, there is One who is full of forgiveness and grace!
Since none of us are perfect, how can we live together in peace and harmony? The only way it will work is if we are forgiving and non-judgmental. I used to say “you don’t know what they have been through.” That is true. We do not understand what the other person is facing or what baggage they carry. You have not walked in their shoes and experienced the things they may have encountered. Many times, when people are mean to you and hurt you, it is because they are hurting. How will you handle that situation? Will you respond or react? Could you ask a question like “Have I done something to offend you?” What is the outcome you desire? Would you like to build up or tear down the relationship? If you take offense, you will tend to lash out in return. Their displeasure might have nothing to do with you. Would you like to retaliate or diffuse the situation? You are at a crossroads. Which way would you like to see it go? A kind word at that moment could change everything.
Romans 12:17-19 (NKJV) says 17 Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. 18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. What if you responded with kindness instead of reacting with more of the same? Would a relationship be possible? Would that person be in a better place after meeting you? Would you be reflecting the Lord and bringing Him glory? You know you would!
Since the seeds of love were planted in you, why not offer love in response? Anyone can give back the bitterness directed at them. You are mirroring what you received. But what if you changed things up? What if you stopped to realize that a person could be hurting and you offered healing and kindness instead? You have been in the place where they are. What if someone had offered kindness to you? Isn’t that how you would have liked to be treated? The world would have been a better place. What do you see when you look at others? God looks at the heart. He sees their trouble and understands why they are acting as they are. Ask God to let you see others through His eyes. Realize that you have been where they are and treat them as you would have liked to be treated. Turn things around for both of you!
Lord, please help me to clean my eyes so that I can see others as You see them. Let me speak words of healing and love to those I meet. Help me to respond rather than react. May words of kindness and love pour forth when I speak. Help me to build up rather than tear down. In Your name we pray! Amen!