Greetings Prayer Warriors,
“Stop judging, that you may not be judged. For
as you judge, so will you be judged, and the measure with which you measure
will be measured out to you. Matthew
7:1-2
“Not judging,” does not mean tolerating and accepting bad
behavior. We were given an intellect to use for a reason. However the next
passages seem to illuminate this further.
Why do you notice the splinter in
your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own eye? How
can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove that splinter from your eye,’ while
the wooden beam is in your eye? You hypocrite, remove the wooden beam from your
eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter from your brother’s
eye. Matthew 7:3-5
How easy it is to
look at the other’s faults, particularly one’s spouse. No wonder so many marriages are splintered! We are challenged however, to hold up a
mirror to ourselves first. Not a rose
colored mirror in soft light. Hold that
mirror in the harshest of light! Own
your own imperfections (to your spouse) before speaking of theirs! Together, make commitments for positive change. However, even if the desire for change is
one-sided, witnessing love in adversity is very powerful because such love
emanates from Christ.
Lord, help us not to
focus on our spouse’s faults, but instead on our ability to love despite
them. May we never tolerate or accept
bad behavior, but rather love the person as you would, but challenge them to
amend their ways. Tweeze out our imperfections and restore our sight!
Help us grow in virtue and love, that we may
one day become a perfect reflection of You.
All change begins with prayer. Continue to support marriages
with yours!
Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet
I'll keep on saying, keep on praying! Pass it on!
