Scripture Reading: Matthew 7:1-6 (All Scripture quoted is CEV)
Scripture Quote: Some of you accuse others of doing wrong. But there is no excuse for what you do. When you judge others, you condemn yourselves, because you are guilty of doing the very same things. (Romans 2:1)
The Jews thought that they were more righteous than the Gentiles. However, they were guilty of the same things they accused the Gentiles of doing. So like the Jews, whenever we accuse others, we condemn
ourselves because we are also guilty of the same behaviors. God will be as hard on us as we are on others. Can we really think that God won't punish us when we behave exactly like the people we accuse?
The incident about the woman who slept with someone other than her husband is another uncomfortable example of questionable piety. All the people wanted to stone her to death. They may not have all been guilty of committing the same sin as the woman, but they were all sinners. Jesus asked the one who never sinned to throw the first stone. Eventually all the people left without throwing any stones. It’s a good lesson because we must always remember that we are all guilty of sinning against God and have no right to condemn anyone else. Christians must be willing to forgive each other, just as our Almighty God has forgiven and continues to forgive us.
Today’s meditation: Be wise and accuse no one, even in the face of dispute.
Memory Verse: Sharp words cut like a sword, but words of wisdom heal. (Proverbs 12:18)