Today, we gather under the light of Matthew 7:1-12, a passage that challenges us to reflect deeply on our judgments, our requests, and our interactions with others. Let’s read this passage together:

Matthew 7:1-12 (NIV): “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. 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? 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. Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces. Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”

This scripture begins with a profound command: “Do not judge.” Jesus teaches us that judgment, particularly harsh and unfair judgment, rebounds upon us. When we judge others, we set a standard by which we ourselves will be judged. This isn’t about never forming opinions or discerning right from wrong; rather, it’s about the spirit in which we evaluate others. Are we quick to condemn, or do we approach with humility and love?

Consider this: How often do we focus on the minor faults in others while ignoring our significant shortcomings? Jesus uses the vivid imagery of a plank and a speck to illustrate this hypocrisy. Our own flaws often blind us to our true purpose, which is to help, not to condemn. When we remove our plank, we not only improve ourselves but also gain clarity to assist others genuinely.

Then, Jesus transitions to the importance of persistence in prayer and faith in God’s providence. “Ask and it will be given to you.” This isn’t a promise of material wealth or immediate gratification but an assurance of God’s responsiveness to our needs in His wisdom. Just as human parents give good gifts to their children, our Heavenly Father knows what we need far better than we do.

Finally, we come to the Golden Rule, a summation of ethical conduct: “Do to others what you would have them do to you.” This rule, found in various forms across cultures, is here presented as the core of all moral law. It’s a call to empathy, to treat others with the kindness, respect, and forgiveness we ourselves seek.

In our daily lives, let us remember:

1. Self-Examination: Before pointing out faults in others, let us first examine our own hearts.
2. Persistence in Prayer: Trust in God’s provision, ask with faith, and seek His will.
3. Empathetic Living: Treat others as we wish to be treated, with grace and understanding.

Let us pray:

Lord, help us to see ourselves through Your eyes, to judge not, but to love and to serve. Teach us to ask, to seek, and to knock with faith, trusting in Your goodness. May our actions towards others reflect the love You have for us. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.

May this message guide our hearts and actions as we strive to live more fully in the light of Christ’s teachings. God bless you all.