JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Wisdom from the Red Letters is found in Luke 6:41.

Jesus said, “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye’ when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye?’ You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”

Jesus was talking about the danger of using a double standard with this statement. It would be hypocritical for us to look past our own flaws to see the smaller flaws of another person.  Dealing with the speck in someone else’s eye diverts attention away from the plank in our own eye. Jesus wants us to examine the sin in our own lives and remove it first. Then, we will be in a better place to help our friends to overcome their issues that hinder spiritual progress.

The words of Jesus inspire us to live out our faith with integrity and mercy in the Year of Redemption.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com