Have you ever noticed how quick we are to point out the sins of others, while conveniently ignoring our own? Jesus compares that to a huge plank jutting out of our eye while we fixate on the tiny speck in someone else’s. He calls us to deal honestly with our own sin first, inviting Him to expose and remove our blind spots. Only then will we see clearly enough to help another person. After all, when we stumble, we long for grace, not harsh judgment, so Jesus urges us to treat those who have fallen with that same generous measure. Are you wiling to lay down the gavel and show grace instead?

Blessed are the Merciful
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Deeply ingrained in every human heart is a desire for justice. This is part of the image of God that has been imprinted on our nature, but because of sin, our desire for justice has been distorted. It now lurks inside us, keeping track of all the ways other people have offended us, and constantly demanding that they pay for what they’ve done. But rather than seeking revenge, Jesus said His followers should be quick to show mercy by forgiving the debts of others, even if they don’t deserve it. After all, God forgave us of all our sin, and we did nothing to deserve it!



