Prodigal: I think I found a beam.

Me: That one looks good, just make sure there is not one in your eye.

Prodigal: I need to check for that.

This is from the book Bold Love by Dr. Dan Allender & Dr. Tremper Longman III

Jesus instructed us to take the beam out of our own eye before we take the speak out of our brother’s (Matthew 7.5). In this way, He told us that the battle is not only against other, it is also within ourselves. Facing the deeply embedded evil of our own hearts is where the most bitter fighting occurs. It’s like a civil war. Your enemy, your old self, is a dearly beloved friend you really don’t want to kill.

This is one of those verses we do not quote when we try to justify a reason for a decision that we have made. We can think of a million others. Really though this is the verse we should start with. Remember those people who said they were only looking out for your good, when all they did was verbally attack you because they forgot to look in their own eye. Remember from them, learn from the bible and take a look in the mirror.

1 Thessalonians 5:15

See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone.

Jennifer Van Allen

www.theprodigalpig.com

www.faithincounseling.org