Specks & Logs
Our fast-paced world is filled with posts, out-of-context videos, and tweets, all screaming for our attention and engagement and provoking us to respond. It's all too easy to react and rush to judgment—whether it's about a person, a situation, or something we see online.
But before we make that leap and type or say something, the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 7:1-5 remind us to pause and reflect.
Matthew 7:1-5
7 "Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. 2 For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged.[b]
3 "And why worry about a speck in your friend's eye[c] when you have a log in your own? 4 How can you think of saying to your friend, 'Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,' when you can't see past the log in your own eye? 5 Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend's eye.
The word used for "judge" in the original Greek is "κρίνω" (krinō). This word is translated as "to judge," "to separate," "to evaluate," or "to condemn."
"krinō" is used to describe the act of making judgments about others, particularly in a way that is unfair or harsh.
Jesus uses it to warn against hypocritical judgment, encouraging self-examination before critiquing others. The passage emphasizes the need to address our own motives and faults (the "plank") before judging the motives and faults of others (the "speck").
Jesus points out that when we judge others without first examining our own faults, we are acting hypocritically.
The message here is not that we should never judge, discern right from wrong, or confront someone, but rather that we should do so with humility, self-awareness, and Christ-like love and compassion.
Jesus emphasizes that the motives underlying our judgments should be filled with the same grace and mercy that we hope to receive. The call to "first take the plank out of your own eye" is an invitation to self-reflection and repentance before addressing the faults of others.
Here's a simple formula to ensure our actions are rooted in love, humility, and self-awareness, as taught in Matthew 7:1-5 before we judge someone, post about them online, or condemn them.
Step 1: Pause
Take a moment to pause. Ask yourself if your reaction is immediate or if you've given it the thought it deserves.
Step 2: Reflect
Reflect on your own life: Are there any similar issues or "logs" in your eye that you must address first?
Ask: "Am I being hypocritical? Do I have unresolved faults that could cloud my judgment?"
Step 3: Examine Motives
What is driving your judgment? Is it love, concern, or a desire to condemn or elevate yourself?
Ask: "Am I trying to help or harm? Is my intention to build up or tear down?"
Step 4: Seek Humility
Consider how you would feel if someone judged you by the same standard. Would you find it filled with grace and love?
Ask: "Am I extending the same grace and mercy that I would want to receive?"
Step 5: Act in Love
If you still feel the need to address the situation, do so with humility and a spirit of love.
Remember: Approach others as you would hope they would approach you—with understanding and a desire to help, not hurt.
Step 6: Pray
Ask for guidance and wisdom to ensure your actions align with God's teachings and love.
In a world where it's all too easy to judge, criticize, or react impulsively, these six steps offer a path to more thoughtful, compassionate, Christ-centered living.
By pausing to reflect, examining our hearts, and approaching others with humility and love, we can foster a culture of grace that draws others toward Christ and repentance.
The next time you feel the urge to judge, post, or speak out, take a moment to review these steps and choose a path that reflects the love and mercy we all hope to receive.