Recap
How has gratitude to God for His mercy and grace impacted your life?
Main Thought
One of the most popular passages in the Bible, even among non-believers, is: “Judge not, or you too shall be judged.” Most of us want to escape judgement even while we judge others. We don’t want to be judged because acceptance, and we judge to make it easier to accept ourselves. Jesus brings a unique perspective to this problem. He has the right to judge because He set a perfect standard; however, He suspends His right to offer patient acceptance and a fresh start instead. Jesus even teaches us a good way to judge. We start by judging ourselves. We commit to the process of becoming more like Christ as we pull the “planks” out of our own eyes. Then, we take newfound perspective and use it to judge others’ “specks.” (The size difference between these things highlight our focus in judging ourselves and others). If we judge with love and grace at all times, then we’re more likely to receive that grace from others like we already do from God.
Main Passages
7 “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. 3 “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? 4 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? 5 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 7:1-515 “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. 16 By their fruit you will recognize them...
- Matthew 7:15-1612 So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you...
- Matthew 7:12
Discussion Questions
What can we learn about God based on the main passages above?
Why is it hard to address our own “planks” and problems?
Think about a recent moment in which you judged someone else. What specific “plank” - be it some selfish action or attitude - does that reveal about you?
Apply
How can you rid yourself of a “plank” and grow as a person, with the goal of becoming more like Jesus? Ask God to help you work on your own planks this week. If the opportunity arises after processing your own problems, then speak up about someone else’s “speck” with God’s love and grace.