Yet So Irritated
“First take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck in your brother’s eye.” Luke 6:42.
Most of us live by a double standard.
We judge ourselves one way, but we use a different set of rules for others.
When we sin, we’re quick to explain the reasons behind our disobedience:
“I was exhausted.”
“I didn’t know what I was doing.”
“I was under a lot of stress.”
When it comes to other people, however, that’s another case.
We put on our judge’s robes and pronounce them guilty, regardless of the evidence:
“He knew better.”
“This isn’t the first time she’s done this.”
“There’s just no excuse for that!”
It’s good to help your friends live the life God desires-
– but your first priority should be to make sure your own life is pleasing to God.
When you’re diligent to keep sin out of your own heart-
– you’ll then be able to see others in the correct perspective.
Whenever you’re involved in willful, deliberate sin, it distorts everything you see.
But when your heart is pure-
– you won’t be so quick to condemn others for their sins,
– nor will you jump to conclusions about them.
You’ll have the grace to help without judging.
What makes us so comfortable with our own sins-
– yet so irritated by the sins of others?
(PA)