Grace Reigns

…the more we see our sinfulness, the more we see God's abounding grace forgiving us. Romans 5:20 (TLB)

In Jesus’ sermon on the mount, he taught his followers about the danger in judging others. In Matthew 7:3-4, He asks, "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye?” (NIV)

It’s easy to recognize and criticize the sin in the lives of others, saying things like, “How can that person be so blind to their sin?” “I can’t believe anyone could do such a thing!” “I would never do something like that!” Jesus’ response to this attitude is found in Matthew 7:5, “You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.” (NIV) We must judge our own actions before ever thinking about criticizing another’s. In fact, just like a plank in front of our eyes prevents us from seeing the speck beyond it, our own sins should appear so great to us that the sins of others are difficult to see.

We must be careful to not misunderstand Jesus’ teaching in this passage. Where judging others is wrong, admonishing a brother or sister is a great responsibility. Colossians 3:16 says, Let the words of Christ, in all their richness, live in your hearts and make you wise. Use his words to teach and counsel each other. (NLT) We are sharpened as we sharpen others (Proverbs 27:17) and we grow in knowledge and wisdom as we communicate to others for their edification. Ultimately, whether you're judging or admonishing comes down to the attitude of heart. Judging others is produced by arrogance or jealousy and results in speaking evil of others, despising or disregarding them for their sin; but admonishing others is produced by love and compassion for the struggles that we share with our brothers and sisters in Christ and results in an offering of grace.

As we look into our own hearts and discover the sin that lives within each of us, we realize the great measure of grace that God has given to us. Romans 5:20-21 says, …where sin increased, grace increased all the more, so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (NIV) If God’s grace, which reigns, can give us right standing with him, can it not be enough to give others right standing with us as well? Remove the plank from your eye and allow the grace of God to reign in your life and others’.