Matthew 7:1–6 (ESV)
Judging Others
7 “Judge not, that you be not judged. 2 For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and
with the measure you use it will be measured to you. 3 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to
your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your
brother’s eye.
6 “Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you.
One of the most difficult tasks for
a Christian is to speak to a fellow believer about some personal fault (cf 18:15). This is especially difficult within a family or a congregation. Jesus sets forth a basic rule that needs to be observed: first, practice self-examination. If you do not realize
your own sins and faults, you cannot offer admonition to a fellow Christian. One who assumes the task of taking the speck out of his brother’s eye must do so with sincere love, deep humility, and the prayer “Forgive us our debts, as we also have
forgiven our debtors” (6:12).
I pray: Lord Jesus, help me see the log in my own eye before I seek to take the speck from another’s eye. Amen.[1]