The Rebuild: Matthew 5-7Sample

I remember the first time I wore glasses. The optometrist placed them over my eyes and suddenly, a whole world came into focus. Trees in the distance, mountains on the horizon — detail after detail! It was an overwhelming experience! I hadn’t realised how shortsighted I was.

In a similar way, we can find ourselves shortsighted, picking up what we see are the negatives in other peoples’ lives while failing to focus on our own flaws. There’s clearly a problem if this shortsightedness goes unchecked. To correct our problem, Jesus calls us to practise:

1. Humility and compassion when looking at others, and wisdom when exercising judgement: “In the same way you judge others, you will be judged”.
2. Self-reflection and personal accountability before trying to correct what we see are the faults in others: “Take the plank out of your own eye first”.
3. Discernment in how we share God’s truth, perceiving when others are not ready to receive it: “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs.”

In short, we need to let go of shortsighted preconceptions of others while fixing our attention on inner transformation – something only Jesus can help us do.

Today, ponder this: Think of the past week. Who is someone you have judged in your mind and heart? How do you think Jesus looks at them? Consider if you need to ask for forgiveness from them and God.