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Everyday Peacemaker

Peacemaker Ministries Devotion: A Logs Worth of Specks

by P. Brian Noble / March 1, 2021

Scripture 

Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. (Matthew 7:3–5, NIV) 

Thoughts 

Let’s slow down and look closely at these Bible verses. There are two powerful questions and a strong statement: 

  • Question #1 Why do you see the little speck in your brother’s eye, but don’t notice the big plank in your own eye? 
  • Question #2 How can you say, “Let me take the speck out of your eye” when there’s a plank in your own eye? 
  • Statement You need to take the plank out of your eye, so you can see well enough to take the speck out of your brother’s eye. 

Is Jesus emphasizing the size of a log versus a speck? If so, how many specks of sawdust are in a log? His comparison is about both size and quantity. Try cutting down a tree sometime, even a small one. The chainsaw will throw out sawdust until the tree falls. You can pick up some sawdust and compare it with the tree that just fell! 

Jesus is urging us to take responsibility for our weaknesses (a log’s worth of specks). The humility we’ll gain from doing that will make a big difference in the way we address the speck we see in someone else’s life. 

Application 

What are you noticing in someone else that you want them to take responsibility for? Have you looked inside yourself? Do that prayerfully, and write down one or more “logs” in you. Then make a list of the “specks” you see in your friend. If you write more items or more severe items on the second list, stop and ask God to help you to see and own your own sins first. 

Prayer 

Lord, help me to see and take the log out of my own eye before I try to take the speck out of my friend’s eye. I don’t want to be proud or condescending when I talk to my friend. . . Continue praying. 

Tags: Reconciling Relationships Through The Gospel, Conflict, Prayer

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P. Brian Noble

P. Brian Noble

P. Brian Noble is an everyday guy who loves Jesus. He has been married to his best friend, Tanya, for 20 years and they have four children; they currently reside in eastern Washington. Brian has a Master of Arts in missional leadership from Northwest University. He is the Executive Director/CEO of Peacemaker Ministries. An ordained minister for the past 20+ years (3 years as a Youth Pastor, 14 years as a Senior Pastor, and 4 years as an Executive Pastor), he proclaims hope through the gospel message as the Holy Spirit empowers believers in their daily walk. He believes in the power of the Word of God to transform lives. He has been a Certified Christian Conciliator since 2008, with 1000+ hours of conflict coaching and mediation experience. His caseload has ranged from husband and wife cases, to family farm, to public schools, and even county government. Brian has taught peacemaking in local jails and even internationally in Uganda. His hope is that every Christian reconciles their differences in a way that glorifies God. His hope is that every Christian recognizes they are a Peacemaker before they try to do peacemaking. Finally, his hope is that every Christian reconciles by making authentic peace that blends justice, mercy, and humility.