TUESDAY - October 13

Read. Matthew 7:1-5
“Don’t judge, so that you won’t be judged. 2 You’ll receive the same judgment you give. Whatever you deal out will be dealt out to you. 3 Why do you see the splinter that’s in your brother’s or sister’s eye, but don’t notice the log in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother or sister, ‘Let me take the splinter out of your eye,’ when there’s a log in your eye? 5 You deceive yourself! First take the log out of your eye, and then you’ll see clearly to take the splinter out of your brother’s or sister’s eye.

Reflect. Jesus noted that we are quick to judge others, while overlooking or excusing any tendency on our part to do similar (or even worse) things. That is destructive and hurtful enough in families or workplaces. Taken into the realm of politics, it seems to go on steroids. Think about it: when was the last time a political figure you disagree with came under fire, and you said, “That’s not good, but our side does the same thing, or even worse?”
• Jesus’ words applied, of course, to family relationships. Think about your spouse, or if you’re not married, your parents or siblings. Can two people both care deeply about a family and its well-being, and yet come to different conclusions about the best way to address certain problems? Can they disagree without impugning each other’s honesty or motives?

• In what ways do you believe Jesus’ words also apply to our local, state or national political “family”? Can you recall a campaign in which two candidates disagreed about the best approaches to issues, yet did so with respect and without claiming that the other person is a dishonest, unpatriotic slimeball? If candidates did that, do you believe their supporters (including you) might follow suit?

Pray. Lord Jesus, as I seek to decide for whom I wish to vote, please rid my spirit of contempt and judgment. Help me remember that people can disagree with me from honest, worthy motives. Amen.

COMMUNITY PRAYER LIST

Doug Lawson. Collier. Glenn Ethridge. Adam Funderburk.  Mary Reber.  Linda Harmon. Betty Carolyn Ward. Albert Rasanke. Lois Robinson. Ross Henley. Tiny & Donald Creasman. Bill and Barbara Buchanan. Bonnie Brenner. Baker Family. Robert McKenzie Family. Kibler family. Carolyn Harlow. Jeff Green. Earl Graves. Mickey Huff. Huff & Welch families. Helen Leigh. Paul Huffman. Schools, Teachers, Staff, Parents, Students. Church regathering plans. Layman family. Charlene Withrow. Brandon Casteel. Dirk Orr family. Smith family. Crowder family. Lillard family. Family of Floyd Eaton. Family of Eddie Rynes. Robertson Family. Harmon Family. Nancy Ryan & family. Bobby Roberts. Elizabeth May & family. Melvin Rinehart. Susan Rogers. Brandon Haugh.

Acknowledgement:
Our current teaching series, The Power of Words, was adapted from a series developed by our partners at The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection and used with permission. Many of the resources and graphics are provided by our partners. During this series, our Read.Reflect.Pray. guide publishes the daily devotional guide (called Grow, Pray, Study) from our partners with minor adaptation.