"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? 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? 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 7:3-5, NIV)
Jesus points you and me in the direction of self-examination here. With this simple illustration is Jesus says, "Judge yourself. Examine your heart. Check your motives. See if your actions are godly."
How do you judge yourself? You do so by digging into God’s Word regularly. You do so by reading and studying. You do so by meditating and memorizing.
"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16-17, NIV)
"...the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12, NIV)
When you've done a self-diagnostic, listening to the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit within you as you examine the Scriptures each day, you’re in a much better position to help a fellow struggler. You're humble. You know your own tendency to sin. You are more ready to give mercy because you've seen your own need for mercy. You have no desire to point fingers or condemn only to help.
James has something to say to us at this point. "Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom," he writes, "because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!" (James 2:12-13, NIV)
What is that law that gives freedom? Jesus named it as the second greatest commandment after loving God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. The law James speaks of is: "Love your neighbor as yourself." (Matthew 22:39, NIV)
Do you like being judged harshly? Do you like having your motives impugned? Of course not! Then love your neighbor as yourself. Do not judge him harshly. Do not assume impure motives when he acts.
Before you start poking around in your brother's eye, dig out that plank in your own.
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