Specks and Logs

1. The Evaluation of Others

  - John 7:24 – "Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment."
  - Romans 2:1 – "Therefore you have no excuse, everyone of you who passes judgment, for in that which you judge another, you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things."
  - James 4:12 – "There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and to destroy; but who are you who judge your neighbor?"

Reflection Questions:

  - Am I trying to help someone or condemn them?
  - Am I judging others by a standard I refuse to apply to myself?
  - Am I confusing biblical discernment with personal criticism?

2. The Examination of Ourselves

  - Psalm 139:23-24 – "Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me and know my anxious thoughts; and see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way."
  - 2 Corinthians 13:5 – "Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you—unless indeed you fail the test?"
  - Galatians 6:1 – "Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted."

Reflection Questions:

  - Am I more concerned about someone else's sin than my own?
  - When was the last time I allowed God's Word to correct me?
  - Am I trying to remove someone else's speck while ignoring my own log?

Key Thought: Before you point out the sin in someone else's life, be willing to confront the sin in your own.

3. The Exercise of Discernment

  - Proverbs 9:7-8 – "He who corrects a scoffer gets dishonor for himself, and he who reproves a wicked man gets insults for himself. Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you; reprove a wise man and he will love you."
  - Proverbs 23:9 – "Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, for he will despise the wisdom of your words."
  - 1 Peter 3:15 – "But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence."

Reflection Questions:

  - Am I using wisdom in how I approach difficult conversations?
  - Am I sharing truth with love and discernment?
  - Do I recognize when someone is genuinely seeking truth or simply looking for an argument?

Key Thought: We are called to share God's truth with everyone, but we must use wisdom in how we handle it.