Words of Encouragement
July - 31 - 2005
Finding fault in someone else is so easy for most of us, isn't it. However, finding fault in ourselves is much trickier. Jesus reminds us that we must deal with the shortcomings and sins in our own lives before we start telling others how to live. Seems pretty simple, doesn't it? But we all know it isn't.
Let us read today from Matthew 7:3-5.
3 "And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not consider the plank in you own eye?
4 "Or how can you say to your brother,'Let me remove the speck from you eye'; and look, a plank is in your own eye?
5 "Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye."Let us pray.
Father, please forgive us when we are severe, harsh, and judgmental toward others. We know there are problems in our own lives that need the work of your Holy Spirit. We confess that there are routine sins that we find ourselves excusing more and more. Please, dear Lord, forgive our sin and empower us to move beyond it and remain focused upon You.
In Jesus' name we pray.
Amen.