The Log and the Speck
Some people really get under our skin. It could spring from the fact that they are very different from us. They may look at life from very different perspectives or they may communicate in ways that seem very foreign to us. This can lead to misunderstanding and misjudgment. It is difficult to receive someone for whom they really are if we can’t understand who they are.
Other relational irritants sprout from people who are very much like us. They may be dealing with the same challenges, weaknesses or blind spots that plague our lives. Oftentimes we may be unaware of these problems in our own lives, yet somehow keenly aware of them in the lives of others. We can develop unconscious hyper-sensitivities to our own sin/weakness packages that are reflected in others.
Jesus spoke about this natural propensity to make judgments against others (Matthew 7:1-5). The point that He makes is that if we are not careful, our judgments can be harmful to others and to ourselves because they are inaccurate and misguided. The root of much wrong accusation and judgment is that the “judge” wants to look good in comparison with the “accused.” Our call/purpose in life, however, is not to look good before others, but rather to help others look good in life. With a heart of service in mind, we must be careful to make accurate assessments of others. Our words need to be supportive and building, rather than disheartening and tearing.
We will do well to recognize that when our judgments are destructive, we will be judged by others. They are watching us, and they are making their judgments of us based upon our words. When we make harsh judgments – either because others are different from us or because they are too much like us, we will be “counter-judged.” Also, we would be wise to remember that our judgments incur God’s judgment. With the measures we use, our judgment will be measured to us by God.
So, our best strategy is to take good and accurate stock of our own lives before we pass any judgment on others. Could it be that you are misunderstanding the other person because they are different from you? If so, ask for God’s help. Slow down; believe the best before you entertain the worst; make new effort to understand. Once you think you really understand, make efforts to help, not hurt the other person. Could it be that you are irritated by the actions of the other person because they reflect an unresolved area of your own life? This is more likely than you may realize. If it is the case, stop, address your own life, and then compassionately relate to the other person. Rather than receiving God’s judgment, you will then receive God’s compassion. Whatever the cause of the friction, you will do best to first take time to deal with yourself – then do what you can to be helpful to those around you, even if they are causing you some pain/irritation.
Cleansing My Eyes with you,
Pastor Tom
