Matthew 7:3-5 "Why do you see the speck in your neighbor's eye, but do not notice the log..."

"Why do you see the speck in your neighbor's eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye? Or how can you say to your neighbor, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye' while the log is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your neighbor's eye." (Matthew 7:3-5).

Question:

How can we clear our own misperceptions?

Comment:

If nothing else, this passage demonstrates clearly that Jesus did, in fact, have a rich sense of humor. The image here is intentionally exaggerated for comic effect, but the point is important. It ties directly to the statement that begins the chapter: "Do not judge, so that you may not be judged." It is all too easy to expend our energy judging others. But we are seeing through human eyes, which means our own perspective is at least as flawed as theirs. Our first priority is to remove human obstacles from our own spiritual sight. When we do, what we see is not what others are doing wrong, but rather what we can do to support their own efforts to see clearly. How do we remove the log from our own eye? Prayer and meditation—and willingness. If our intention is to see clearly ourselves, not to impose our flawed visions and judgments onto others, the energy of God will guide us effortlessly in that process.

Blessings!

Rev. Ed