Spend time in prayer and silence with God asking Him to meet with you and speak to you.
Bible Reading
“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
Devotion
Here Jesus warns us not to “judge” others. The word used here can mean “to decide, to condemn, to avenge and to damn.” Jesus is telling us that we are not to judge the inward motives of others in the sense of condemning them. We are to exercise discernment when it comes to good and evil. Because of our sin nature we are not in a position to judge or condemn others. If we do this, we will be known as the type of person who is severe in his considerations of others. We must watch out for the spirit of criticism and prejudice. The toxic poison of comparison has shipwrecked many a soul. Instead, we are to view our lives and the lives of others through the lenses of God’s mercy, grace and forgiveness.
The Big Question
What does Jesus teach us here about self-awareness? Why is it easier to be critical of others than self-aware? What must you do before you can view others through the lenses of God’s mercy, grace and forgiveness? The self-aware person, who is merciful toward others, will receive similar mercies in return.
Conclude your time in prayer and silence reflecting on what God revealed to you today.