Lesson 19: The Blind spot of Self-Righteousness
That splinter in their eye... is it truly bigger than the plank in yours? We’ve all been there: pointing fingers, casting stones, and judging the lives of others. But what if Jesus’ words in Matthew 7 weren’t a harsh condemnation, but a radical invitation to honest self-discovery? Are you ready to confront the hidden hypocrisy lurking within your own heart?
In Matthew 7:1-6, Jesus offers profound guidance on judgment, hypocrisy, and discernment. These verses challenge us to look inward before we attempt to correct others, and to share the truth of the Gospel with both wisdom and love.
It’s a human tendency to judge others while overlooking our own flaws. We walk through life with spiritual blind spots, quick to point out faults in others while ignoring our own glaring issues. Often, the harshest criticism we have for others reflects something we need to address in ourselves. We must recognize our own imperfections and surrender to God, asking for His guidance to walk in His way.
Jesus doesn't forbid all discernment or judgement. The Bible is full of examples of correction. What He condemns is self-righteous hypocrisy. True correction should stem from a clear conscience and a pure heart. The goal? Restoration, not condemnation.
When addressing sin in others, we must carefully balance truth and love. Before speaking into someone’s life, we must examine our own hearts, acknowledge our shortcomings, and seek forgiveness. We need to extend grace and mercy, remembering our own need for it.
We are called to share the Gospel boldly, yet with wisdom, discerning when to persist and when to step back and pray. The Gospel is a precious pearl, and we must protect its value. However, not everyone will receive it. We must be mindful of our own souls, never elevating ourselves or implying we are superior.
True spiritual authority comes from a humble posture, consistently laying our lives before God. This empowers us to offer correction to fellow believers and share the Gospel with those who have never heard it, reflecting Christ’s character in our lives.
Where is God asking you to examine your heart today? Are there areas where you’ve been quick to judge others but slow to acknowledge your own shortcomings? Perhaps God is calling you to be wise and discerning, knowing when to speak truth and when to step back and pray.
Questions for Discussion
In what specific areas of your life do you find it most challenging to avoid judging others? Why do you think these areas are particularly difficult?
Can you recall a time when someone pointed out a flaw in you that you were unaware of? How did you react, and what did you learn?
How do you personally differentiate between righteous judgment and self-righteous hypocrisy? What practical steps can you take to ensure your judgment is rooted in love and truth?
Share an experience where you struggled to balance speaking the truth with showing love. What strategies did you find helpful in that situation?
How does understanding your own imperfections affect your ability to offer grace and mercy to others? Provide an example.
In what ways can we share the Gospel with wisdom, especially when faced with resistance or rejection?
How does humility play a role in gaining spiritual authority? What practical steps can we take to cultivate a more humble posture before God?
What specific areas of your heart do you believe God is prompting you to examine right now? What steps will you take to do this?
How can we ensure that our correction of others focuses on restoration rather than condemnation? What are some practical ways to do this?
How can you apply the principles of Matthew 7:1-6 to your daily interactions with family, friends, and colleagues? What specific changes can you make in your behavior?