Sometimes scripture is so confrontational that it stings. I have felt that sting more than once from Matthew 7:1-5. The Amplified version is particularly prickly.
Do not judge and criticize and condemn [others unfairly with an attitude of self-righteous superiority as though assuming the office of a judge], so that you will not be judged [unfairly]. For just as you [hypocritically] judge others [when you are sinful and unrepentant], so will you be judged; and in accordance with your standard of measure [used to pass out judgment], judgment will be measured to you.
Why do you look at the [insignificant] speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice and acknowledge the [egregious] log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me get the speck out of your eye,’ when there is a log in your own eye? You hypocrite (play-actor, pretender), first get the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye. Matthew 7:1-5 (Amplified)
I have struggled at times asking, “Why, Adonai, is it that another’s sin, is so obvious to me? Why is it especially true of those close to me–those to whom I should show mercy, compassion? And why, God, does their sin become so bothersome, like a persistent itch that just won’t be ignored? Why is their sin so noticeable to me, and yet my own sin is hard to remember–it flits away after a few brief moments of remorse?”
I haven’t received the answer to my questions, but rather I believe God has suggested a strategy to deal with the problem. The solution (or treatment) as it were to this myopic vision problem is to shift my attention attention back to the Truth.
The truth is God is still on His eternal throne. The sin of someone else, no matter how much we love them or our life is entwined with theirs, doesn’t change the truth. It may be a temporary denial of the truth by them, but it does not change the truth.
My job in most situations, is to pray that God will show the offender the truth and gently bring them into a loving realization of the break in fellowship caused by the sin. This is obviously not always as easy as it sounds, but God calls me to wait on Him, to avoid thinking of myself, my hurts, but rather to seek God’s wisdom and healing for wounds and offenses.
The servant of the Lord must not participate in quarrels, but must be kind to everyone [even-tempered, preserving peace, and he must be], skilled in teaching, patient and tolerant when wronged. He must correct those who are in opposition with courtesy and gentleness in the hope that God may grant that they will repent and be led to the knowledge of the truth [accurately understanding and welcoming it], and that they may come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will. 2 Timothy 2:24-26
I must continue to confront myself with God’s Word, soaking in it and meditating on it to such an extent that through it, God can realign my heart–my thinking, and return me to a place of love for my neighbor. The second greatest commandment of Yeshua is “to love your neighbor as yourself.”
If I am in fellowship with the Father, through His Word, the Spirit of God (Ruach HaKodesh) will fill me. “The fruit of the Spirit [the result of His presence within us] is love [unselfish concern for others], joy, [inner] peace, patience [not the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting], kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23
The sin of another is, therefore, just another distraction the adversary will use to disturb unity and cause me to take my focus off of the pursuit of righteousness and peace with Adonai. It will blind me to the Messiah and His completed Work of redemption.
What another has done or said to me is never relevant as a justification for wrong attitude or conduct on my part. My response must be to love my neighbor. In doing so, I am assured of never losing focus on the important issues–issues of eternity.
Rooted and Grounded 