PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Matthew 7:1-6
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“With the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (Matthew 7:2)
I have always felt the weight of these words, and what they seem say.
The standard we measure others by will also be used on us.
The measure of grace we show to others will also be measured out to us.
Or God will forgive you like you forgive others…
Yikes, this is the last thing that I want.
I need an abundance of grace that I do not have the ability to give others.
Or as Jesus says, my own issues are a plank compared to their specks.
Jesus is not saying their sins are not significant… just not to me.
Dealing with my own sin does require discernment of good from bad.
We need to judge our own behaviours, and seek mercy and help for them.
If we allow God to measure out grace, we will be graced beyond belief.
I need that, and so does the person that I am so keen to judge.
Me measuring grace to them may show me how much grace I need too.
And one day we will stand side by side – graced beyond measure!
PRAYER
Lord, I entrust other people and their sins to you. I entrust myself and my sins to you. Grace us beyond measure, that we may be grow out of our sin and into your goodness.
Reading this I feel a need to practice caution – even as I am called to be gracious and humbly understanding my own flaws. Casting the pearls – the precious also – no willy nilly spouting the treasures of grace – opposite of judgement – but being careful. Sometimes ‘in-the-face’ evangelical efforts by some very zealous followers – turns people off and they are mocked – or rather the message is also mocked. The Good news is that Jesus saves from my sin – but sin must be understood and the reason why Jesus is the answer needs to be understood. Therefore, it requires conversations and context that allow the spirit to work – especially at times of crisis and people are seeking help and answers. Lord,. let me be guided by your spirit that I might be able to extend your love, mercy and grace!
When I watch others and call them to account but not have the same diligence to look at myself and changing my behaviour I am guilty. The measure I judge others I must apply to myself. I need to change my behaviour. I need to see all through the eyes of Christ.
Make me a channel of your peace
Where there is hatred let me bring your love
Where there is injury, your pardon, Lord
And where there’s doubt, true faith in you