Either how canst thou say to thy brother, Brother, let me pull out the mote that is

in thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest not the beam that is in thine own eye?

Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly

to pull out the mote that is in thy brother’s eye. Luke 6:42

 

     In high school I had a set of illustrated Bible studies of the New Testament. I can still remember the cartoon that accompanied this verse. The lanky guy in plaid shorts was desperately trying to reach another fellow. He couldn’t get close to the other fellow who was dodging out of the way of the large plank of wood protruding from Lanky’s eye.

       We are called to keep our brother accountable but first we must deal with our sin. Whether the guy with the log and the guy with the speck have the same or different sin issues is not stated. I can’t help but wonder if they are the same but one has been festering and growing. Or one started out big but has been sanded down until it is but a speck.

       The point is not to ignore your own issues. Deal with them and you will be better able to help your brother. I’ve found the best way to get literal dust out of a friend’s eye is to gently blow in the eye. This produces tears which will generally wash the dust out. Jesus called us to mourn our sins. Tears come with mourning and repentance.

      Once your brother sees you dealing with your sin he will be more open to your help, especially if he’s seen you shed you own tears of repentance. Are you willing to mourn one another’s sin?