URC Daily Devotion Thursday 13 November 2025

St Matthew 7: 1 – 5

Jesus said: ‘Do not judge, so that you may not be judged.  For with the judgement you make you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get.  Why do you see the speck in your neighbour’s eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye?  Or how can you say to your neighbour, “Let me take the speck out of your eye”, while the log is in your own eye?  You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your neighbour’s eye.

Reflection

This passage is derived from the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus advises his disciples on how to treat others and emphasises the importance of self-awareness and humility. I believe that cultivating the ability to self-examine prior to passing judgment would have helped the disciples better understand the diverse individuals they encountered. This self-awareness could also have facilitated stronger connections and ultimately encouraged more individuals to follow Jesus. Therefore, developing these qualities was, and continues to be, of significant importance.

Regarding the act of forming judgments, many of us are quite skilled at doing so. The passage suggests that we should avoid passing judgment on others to prevent ourselves from being subject to similar scrutiny. It highlights that the standards we apply to others will ultimately be the standards used to assess us.

So, why do we engage in judgment?  

Does it divert our attention from our personal lives? Does it enhance our self-esteem or create a sense of superiority over others? Do we experience any emotional benefit from making these judgments?  

The reality is that, on occasion, we may find a temporary sense of relief or satisfaction in noticing differences – such as recognising that we would not choose to dress in a certain way or that we would not make a particular mistake ourselves.

I believe that, in life, we often strive to feel better about ourselves – whether it’s our appearance, our intelligence, or our status – and that judging others (in all honesty) can make us feel better, at least for a while.

However, in truth, we are all created equally, and God’s love for each of us is unconditional. 

For my latest challenge, I am committed to cultivating a less judgmental and more positive outlook as part of my spiritual growth. When I recognise how loved, blessed, and valued I am in God’s eyes, I find it easier to refrain from quick or harsh judgments of others.

Prayer 

Father in Heaven, 
we thank you for loving us just as we are. 
We thank you that despite our less positive traits, 
you still bless us. 
Help us to grow in the confidence of your love, 
and learn to show this same love and acceptance to others.  
Amen