Read Luke 6:41-42
Discover
1. What is the relationship between the two people in this parable?
2. Does Jesus tell the hypocrite not to help his friend with his speck?
3. What must he first do before he can help his friend?
Respond
By first dealing with our own sin, we do two things: we give ourselves the ability to see a situation more clearly and we turn our potential hypocrisy into credibility. Before making a judgment, ask yourself how well you know the person. What is the relationship? Have you made investments in them? The further a person or situation is from your direct contact or knowledge, the less of an opinion you likely need to formulate. If God has laid someone on your heart, pray for wisdom, discernment, and humility to navigate the situation well (see also this Proverb).
For Further Reading: Judge Not Isn’t the Ultimate Mic Drop
For Families with Kids at Home
Pray over your kids today, asking God to soften their hearts and to give them wisdom to know when to make a judgment call to help others.