Dealing With Yourself First

Dealing with Yourself First

Why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own? How can you think of saying to your friend, “Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,” when you can’t see past the log in your own eye? Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye.

Matthew 7:3-5

IN THE PAST FEW DEVOTIONS, we have discussed taking responsibility for our own failures rather than blaming our spouse. I do not mean that we should never discuss the faults of our mate. As a couple, we are trying to learn how to work together as a team. This means that if I think my spouse is treating me unfairly, I should, in love, share my feelings. But that’s only appropriate after I have first dealt with my own failures.

This is what Jesus taught in the verses above from Matthew 7. When we cast blame on our mate without first examining ourselves, we’re likely not seeing past our own faults—and as a result, it becomes impossible to see the problem clearly. Whenever a relationship breaks down, both people are a part of the breakdown. One may bear more responsibility than the other, but either can move to restore the relationship. We must each deal with the wrong we personally bear.

Be willing to take the first step. Don’t sit around blaming your spouse, and don’t waste time waiting for him or her to confess. If you honestly confess your part, that may be the stimulus that triggers confession on the part of your mate. The first step is the most important one.

Father, I pray for the humility and courage to take the first step. Help me to see the wrong I have contributed to a situation and confess that, without waiting for my spouse to act first. Please bless our efforts.

First Step