“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.”
After we have met with God, sought to live for Him, and confessed sin, then we have the job of helping others in their growth in Jesus. Gal. 6:1 "Brethren if a man be overtaken in a fault, you who are spiritual restore such a one in the spirit of meekness, considering yourself, lest you also be tempted." That spirit of meekness is the humble awareness that I am no better than my brothers, and my God has done work in my life, therefore He can also help you in yours. He's not done with me yet, and He is not done working with you either.
When we can clearly see spiritually, we are in a better position to help others. It is with an attitude of humility not self-righteousness. It isn't loving to allow the speck to infect and cause permanent damage to his eye.
Matt.18:15 teaches if you have something against someone or if they have something against you, you go in private and seek to make it right with them. If he listens you've gained a brother. If he doesn’t, bring another witness or two then perhaps they will help with the communication process. Don't go broadcasting the problem all over. If the problem isn't resolved, the church becomes the body of reconciliation to help each see obligations one has to another. If the offender has no repentance of heart, then the church action is to expel him until he or she seeks forgiveness, always with the hope of reconciliation.
There is nothing more important or more potentially harmful, nor as easily neglected as helping, loving church discipline in the attitude of love. People do not like to be confronted. Most people do not want to be confronted. Yet, when good things result, it is best for the individual and the church of Christ. Is it done with an honest and sincere desire to help and not hurt? Is it done, not with seeking power or personal desires, but to protect?
How does one convey that? That isn't easy. It must start like the Bible says, with one who is spiritual. That doesn't mean being self-righteous but being aware that we are all sinners saved by grace and knowing that God is work in them too.
How would you want to be treated if you were doing something that would be spiritually damaging to your life? How could you respect the actions of others? What person would you want to talk to? How can that best be done? Can you be that kind of person with that kind of attitude toward another?
The Labrador spar is a crystal that looks first dull and without luster, but if it is turned around and around it will come into a position when the light strikes it in a certain way, and it will sparkle with beauty and elegance. Many who we might think dull, unloving and sinful, are turned in a way to shine God's glory, if we only knew them as persons.
Application: Our desire to help is know people as persons and desire God's best with a helping loving attitude.
Prayer: Lord, help me to love with an attitude of humility with a sincere desire to help and not hurt.
