The Plank in Our Eye

[lomarah]

Is it judgment?

[thinktank]

Plank vs speck


If plank is a huge sin, and speck is a small sin. Perhaps it relates to hypocrosy. Where the drunkard, condemns the man who drinks a pint on the weekend.

Could be of the same sinful nature as above or perhaps, different categories e.g how can the drunkard condemn/accuse/spit on the harlot. First stop drinking and overcome this sin, then perhaps you can judge righteously and show the harlot her sins and show the way truth and life.

The problem with this though is that we all have strengths and weaknesses. So to say to the drunkard, "you cannot teach the harlot to avoid fornication, because you are in sin" might not be practical. Because perhaps the drunkard was a harlot or knows someone who was a harlot and can help the harlot overcome their sins, even though they themselves are in bondage to drunkenness. But they the drunkard have no right to accuse and make fun of the harlot - This also breeds a win lose culture, where the harlot then makes fun of the drunkard and despises him when she sees him drunk.

But I think the main of the message is to judge rightously. Not to judge outward appearance or to condemn

[jabcat]

Good points Tank.  What do you think judging righteously is?  Trying to restore the person?  Not judging them in terms of condemning them re: whether they are in the faith or not, but more so judging the works according to the Word?  Again, as a means to restore them if possible, then secondarily, to "protect" others from their influence?   ("expose those who contradict" Titus 1;  "I meant that you are not to associate with anyone who claims to be a believer yet indulges in sexual sin, or is greedy, or worships idols, or is abusive, or is a drunkard, or cheats people. Don't even eat with such people."  I Corinthians 5:11)

It's a difficult topic, requires balance, care, love, paying attention to the Word and the Spirit's leading.  I don't have it perfected, and I sure have plenty of stuff in my own eye.   Often I can barely see.

[micah7:9]

" Often I can barely see." Jabcat  Very well said. We can barely see because of the very plank in our eye yet we seem to see the mote in our brothers eye. :HeartThrob:

[WhiteWings]

Good points Tank.  What do you think judging righteously is?  Trying to restore the person?

Just as God would do I guess. Corrective judgement.
So not just jelling at a drunk but getting to an AA meeting for example.

[lomarah]

Yes, amen, good thoughts.

Same here James, and I have found that when I am looking through the eyes of love, that "plank" seems to disappear, that's why I was wondering. I mean when I earnestly have the other person's best interest at heart, when I am not "judging" them (or condemning them may be a better word?).