Read Luke 6 -- 7
In Today's Reading:
Jesus and the Sabbath; 12 apostles chosen; Sermon on the Mount; healing and miracles; John the Baptist's question; Jesus anointed
We all have sinned beyond our ability to count, and we should be deeply thankful that our Heavenly Father forgives us when we repent of our sins. If we are truly grateful, we will approach everyone who sins against us with the same mercy and compassion that we receive from the Lord. Jesus, Who knows how the human heart tends to be hypocritical, warned: Why behold . . . the mote (speck) that is in your brother's eye, but perceive not the beam that is in your own eye?. . . You hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of your own eye, and then you shall see clearly to pull out the mote that is in your brother's eye (Luke 6:41-42).
It is our responsibility to recognize the mote (evil) for what it is, but we must first consider our own beam (negative attitudes and criticism of others). Only then are we qualified to help others with their needs.
A heart of compassion and concern to help others is in striking contrast to those who overlook their own faults and failures, but who rarely miss an opportunity to gossip about someone else's conduct or failures. We are prone to imply evil motives to others' actions, and may even exaggerate them; but we tend to judge ourselves by our good intentions and others by their mistakes. Thankfully, God is a merciful God, Who fully forgives us when we repent of our sins. But, since we expect God's mercy toward us, it makes a vital demand upon us to extend that same mercy to others. If you forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses (Matthew 6:15).
Criticism is often an act of self-righteousness in an attempt to build one's own self-esteem by putting others down. Also, it is easy to jump to conclusions without hearing or caring about all the facts. We have an amazing ability to misjudge the thoughts and actions of others. Judgmental people thrive on faultfinding and find something wrong with everything that is said or done by another whom they would love to belittle. It is this self-righteousness that Jesus spoke of when He said: Cast out first the beam out of your own eye. Then the love of Christ can be expressed through us.
If anyone is overtaken in a fault (sin), you which are spiritual, restore such a one in the spirit of meekness; considering yourself, lest you also be tempted (Galatians 6:1).
Word Studies:
6:11 communed = discussed, plotted; 6:19 virtue = healing power; 6:41 mote = a small speck, dirt, dust or splinter; 7:14 bier = a funeral cot, a stand on which a corpse or casket is laid; 7:34 winebibber = one who is a drunkard.
Cross References:
For Luke 7:22: See Isaiah 61:1. Luke 7:27: See Malachi 3:1.
Prayer Needs:
BP Staff: Mary Kay Wagner · Pray for Zacarias Serrato and the Bible Pathway Radio Broadcasts on KMXO-AM, Merkel TX · Pray for all Bible Reading Marathon Coordinators · Government Officials: Sen. Jim Bunning (KY) and Sec. Mel Martinez (Department of Housing and Urban Development) · Country: Vietnam (77 million) in Southeast Asia · Major languages: Vietnamese and French · Very strict control of Christians in the North; the South has been more lenient but is getting tighter · 65% Buddhist and Buddhist sects; 7% Roman Catholic; 4% belief in evil spirits and ancestor worship; .4% Protestant · Prayer Suggestion: Pray in faith that God will bless your family (Genesis 17:18-20).
Memory Verse for the Week: II Corinthians 9:8