That’s definitely a powerful word for all of us!
But what many people skip over is what Jesus says in verses 4-5: “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.”
He doesn’t say to never offer someone a word of helpful correction. He just tells you to not be a hypocrite about neglecting the sin in your own life.
These days we’re kind of on thin ice with this topic. There is so much hyper-sensitivity that you risk being accused of “harming” someone if you say something they disagree with.
But when said in love and truth, concerned words from one person to another can be a much-needed compass when someone is headed down the wrong path.
It’s okay to offer a humble word of constructive criticism to someone—just make sure you’ve first applied the same standard to yourself.
By Matthew Ruttan
- This coming Sunday (September 23) I’ll be talking about when miracles DON’T happen. Has someone ever told you that God was silent in your life because you didn’t have enough faith? Do you think the “ordinariness” of your life means God’s doesn’t care or isn’t close? If so, you’ll want to tune in. Here’s more about what you can expect on Sunday.
