Mat 7:3
Why do you see the speck in your neighbour’s eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye?
I was reminded of this verse yesterday. It isn’t that I have been out inspecting other people’s eyes for specks or anything. In fact, I would say I have been keeping pretty much to myself lately (as you may have noticed from the slow-down in post frequency). But someone I love noticed the log that I wasn’t noticing in my own eye, and brought it to my attention.
How is it that we can be oblivious to our own issues? How do we miss our own behaviour and attitude changes? Jesus was really talking about not being hypocritical in our dealings with the failures or problems of others. He was talking about the habit many have of passing judgement on others while not considering for a moment their own guilt. That is not the type of thing I’m talking about here.
There is a lot of value in watching out for the logs in the eyes and lives of our friends and families. Often the first people to notice symptoms of physical or mental illness are not the people who have them, but those around them who can see changes which otherwise might go unnoticed. The biggest signs to watch for for most mental and many physical illness are change. Changes in eating and sleep habits, mood, communication, focus, etc. can be warning signs for many things, but the person who has had them gradually develop in their own lives often don’t even realize they have happened.
Keep your eyes peeled for logs in the eyes of your friends and loved ones rather than the specks. Don’t assume that, just because they are so obvious, the people will notice on their own. If you see one, let them know and make yourself available to help them if they need it. Now, that is love!
