“First cast out the beam from your own eye; and then you shall see clearly to cast out the speck from your brother’s eye.” —Matthew 7:5
Judgment begins when the heart forgets its own poverty—so turn inward, tend to the battle within, and leave the throne to God alone.—D.
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The enemy waits—quiet, steady, just beyond the fence-line of your life. He doesn’t charge in with fire and iron. He works with seeds. He shows you your neighbor’s flaws, points out their weakness, and waits for your heart to tighten. Soon enough, scorn sets in, and you feel that subtle lift in your chest: At least I’m not like that. That’s the bait. And when you take it, you’ll find your soul snarled in pride and poison. Tear that root out while it’s still small. Look for the good, and if you can’t find it, remember this: that one you’re eyeing with disdain is someone for whom Christ shed blood. That alone is reason enough to show mercy.
And while you’re looking at your neighbor, don’t forget your own poverty. Keep it close, like a stone in your pocket—something you reach for often. Your past missteps, your stray thoughts, your hidden shame—they’ll keep you grounded. They’ll teach you better than any book. The real work isn’t out there—it’s within. And every time that old itch to judge comes back, hear the words like a bell in your chest: “Physician, heal thyself.” The beam in your own eye is heavy work enough. Turn to it. You’ll find more than enough there to keep your hands full.
Judging others feels easy, even righteous, but it’s a thief dressed up in holy clothes. It steals your peace, hollows out your prayer, and puts you in a seat that doesn’t belong to you. That seat belongs to God. Always has. Let Him weigh the hearts of men. Yours is to love, to forgive, to reckon with your own faults and failings. The true fight is not about being right—it’s about being made right. Turn inward, bend your knee, and let the Lord do the work only He can do.