An “E.G.N.” Relationship
A Speck of Dust – Part 2

Scripture Reading: Matthew 7:1-5

Key Verse: Matthew 7:3

“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?

We ended yesterday’s devotional with a solemn warning:  How we look at people—all people—will affect our eternity.  Look again at Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:2: “For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”  The Amplified Version clarifies further: “For just as you judge and criticize and condemn others, you will be judged and criticized and condemned…”  We often refer to a “reckoning day.”  The Bible speaks of this as the final judgment day.  God plans to treat everyone fairly, thus He evens the score with those you’ve treated so poorly.

It seems to me that all of us ought to consider how we are thinking of and treating the people around us.  Examine your ways closely, they will be coming back to be used on you someday!  This warning that Jesus gives us—a “heads up” so to speak—makes me want to treat everyone with generous love and acceptance!  Even my E.G.N. people must be given careful consideration!  Am I giving them the extra grace that I will need and want someday as I stand before God?

As we start 2013, let’s determine to work hard on ourselves in how we handle relationships.  Let’s remind ourselves it will deeply matter in eternity!

Father, as you grant me your grace, I will pass that unmerited favor on to others that I come into contact with today!  In Jesus’ name, amen.