Examination of Conscience

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Before judging others or speaking out against some perceived sin that you feel another may have embraced or in which he or she may have become entangled, we should first look to our own condition.

Read these words of Jesus:

"Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,' when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother's eye." Luke 6:41-42 (New American Standard Bible).

In the story of the adulterous woman in John 8:3-11, Jesus tells the woman's accusers "He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone."

Instead of judging others, let's all heed these words of Jesus that He spoke in the Sermon on the Mount from Matthew 5:13-14,16 (New American Standard Bible):

"You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men. You are the light of the world. … Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven."

Before judging others — before throwing stones, first examine your own conscience. All have sinned! No one is guiltless! There is only One who is guiltless and He did not throw stones.

Has your saltiness become bitter? Has your light become dimmed or snuffed out? Judging others is sin. Go and sin no more.

Also see What is Sin?.