Matthew 7:1-12 (NRSV)
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Chapter 7"Do not judge, so that you may not be judged. Verse 2For with the judgment you make you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get. Verse 3Why do you see the speck in your neighbor's eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye? Verse 4Or how can you say to your neighbor, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' while the log is in your own eye? Verse 5You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your neighbor's eye. Verse 6"Do not give what is holy to dogs; and do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample them under foot and turn and maul you.
Verse 7"Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. Verse 8For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Verse 9Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for bread, will give a stone? Verse 10Or if the child asks for a fish, will give a snake? Verse 11If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask him!
Verse 12"In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets.
Devotion
It seems so easy when we read it: don’t judge others; ask, search, knock; follow the Golden Rule. In reality, though, we know these things are easier said than done. Hence, there is a significant discomfort factor built into the matter of discipleship. We are not left off the hook, though, which is the reason we are reminded elsewhere to confess, repent, and look for forgiveness. Faithfully listen to Jesus, and in humility heed his call.
Prayer
Expecting God, do not deal with us according to our deeds, for we know we fall short. Accepting God, lift us up, for we know you will not let us fall. Amen.