“Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?” Matthew 7: 3

Oh, That Plank!

Mom and Dad have been in heaven many years now, but I still get teary when I think of them and what wonderful parents they were. I was blessed to have them, that’s for sure, but talk about polar opposites: Mom found the good in every person or situation, while Dad, bless his heart, found the bad. Needless to say, I grew up perplexed and probably slow to learn God’s ways, such as I saw in Mom, building others up verbally and in prayer.

I’m still in the process of learning that the longer we’re around people, interacting with them, we most certainly will begin to see their faults and weak areas, those “specks” of imperfection. We can form ugly opinions, or we can begin to pray seriously what’s needed into that person’s life. God definitely will help them heal and grow, as He helps uslet go of that judgment and harsh, critical spirit.

At times, it seems like a thin line between the valuable gift of discernment and outright criticism. But as we learn to discern situations and the spirit behind folks, God calls us to pray and love. It’s definitely not our job to fix them or talk them down. I’m so glad God doesn’t do that with me!

Perhaps the biggest difference between discernment and judgment can be summed up in one word—compassion. Our brothers and sisters in the Lord deserve that kindness as we see the areas that need growth. How Ineed that so desperately!

Jesus was the epitome of compassion. When I feel my heart start to form a sharp-edged box around people or situations—a “plank”—I  know I’ve stepped over into judgment.

“Lord Jesus, help us all to keep those mental “edges” we form around others soft, pliable and loving, just as You see all Your children. Thank You, Jesus.”