Scripture : Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but don’t consider the beam that is in your own eye? Or how will you tell your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye;’ and behold, the beam is in your own eye? You hypocrite! First remove the beam out of your own eye, and then you can see clearly to remove the speck out of your brother’s eye. Matthew 7:3-5 WMB http://bible.com/1209/mat.7.3-5.WMB
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Life Application : ~*We cannot and we should not look upon a sister or brother's doing (be it right or wrong) without FIRST examining our own. The moment we forget that we TOO need a Saviour, that's when pride and arrogance set in which will be followed by a fall. So often we judge an individual's "misdeeds" when in actuality, in our hearts we are so deep in our own secret iniquities that we can't see the righteous desires in the souls of others. Many of times, rather than to focus on my own deliverance so that I can in turn lead others to deliverance, I have chosen to "look at the speck of sawdust" in my brother's eye. I have had to repent for not paying attention to the plank in my own eye (New International Version, Matt.7.3). NONE of us are without sin. Galatians 6:1-2 says, "Brothers, if someone is caught in any wrongdoing, you who are spiritual should restore such a person with a gentle spirit, watching out for yourselves so you also won’t be tempted. 2 Carry one another’s burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ" (Holman Christian Standard Bible, Gal.6.1-2). When we see our brother (or sister) caught in sin, the best thing we can do is encourage them in righteousness. If they are younger, we rebuke them in love. If they are older we admonish them according to 1 Timothy 5:1. I know that I can only speak for myself when I say that, I have been guilty and convicted of being so wrapped up in my own world that I had forgotten to be merciful and loving. I never want to be in that place again. My heart's desire is to move forward in the love that Yeshua (Jesus Christ) our Messiah, walked in as He walked the Earth. I hope that others will also examine their hearts and lives and move forward in His love. *~
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Prayer : Most gracious and Heavenly Father, I am not worthy of Your grace and love as I have not been as gracious to others. But Father, I know that I cannot make it in this life or in Your kingdom without either. Please bless me to extend grace, mercy and love to my brethren as much as you would have me to do so. May I forever walk in the humility that is true and that brings You glory. You and You alone are The Ultimate judge. Thank You for humbling me. In the matchless name of Yeshua, known as Jesus Christ, amen.
