A Plank in my Eye
Author: Martha Swann Murphy-Shipley (South Carolina, US)
For years, my husband and I shared the wash-basin in our bathroom. Spots of toothpaste were always on the taps – the spots put there, I was certain, by my husband. And it was a constant irritation to me. I would see the marks and think, ‘Why can’t he clean up after himself?’ or just be plain mad at his sloppiness. A few months ago we moved into a new house with two basins in the master bathroom. One day I realised that my husband’s sink and taps were clean. Mine were covered with spots of toothpaste. What a revelation that was, and what an embarrassment to me!
This realisation caused me to reflect on the Bible verse quoted above. It is so easy for us to assume that we are perfect and to be critical of everyone else. Jesus didn’t see people that way. He challenged us to examine our own flaws and to work to correct them according to God’s will.
Prayer: Dear Father, help us to be aware of our failings and to be gentle with ourselves and others. As Jesus taught us, we pray, ‘Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.’ Amen
