Luke 6:41

"And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye?"
Luke 6:41


I think sometimes when we read the scriptures or hear a commandment, we instantly think of an example... in someone *else's* life.  Oh, yeah, that sounds like Joe, or that totally is what Jill does.  I think that we get other-focused like that because we live in fear of criticism, even from ourselves.  Criticism isn't always accurate, or presented in a productive way, but even so, it often makes us doubt ourselves and wonder if we need to change... and change is hard.  And when it IS accurate, it doesn't make the changing any easier... or the knowing that your friend or acquaintance thinks little of you.  And if it is hard for us to be criticized, even when it is right, then we can imagine how it feels for others.  Today, let's not criticize other people or point out their faults.  They probably already know, and even if they don't... God is much better at revealing weaknesses than we are, because he sticks around and helps people do something about it.  Instead, let's work on our own faults... getting those beams out of our eyes, so that we can see other people more clearly and lovingly.