Overcoming Criticism Through Faith: Understanding the Plank in Your Eye
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In our daily meditations, we reflect on Jesus' teachings from the Sermon on the Mount. In Matthew chapter seven, Jesus addresses our heart issues by discussing criticism, which can be very damaging to self-esteem. Have you ever faced harsh judgment? Criticism can be very discouraging for the spirit. I remember when I was in my early twenties, just starting to preach and teach the Word of God. An influential person in my life, after hearing me preach a few times, told me I should stop trying to preach because I was not good at it. Those words were very painful then. When someone faces such judgment, they can choose two paths: either give up on ministry entirely or respond by working harder to improve at what God has called them to do. I decided that if I’m not naturally good at communicating God's Word, I will put in extra effort to make my messages interesting and uplifting.
Every now and then, those words return to me, reminding me not to settle for what I have learned and the wisdom I have gained, but to fulfill God’s call by doing everything I can to go into the world and preach good news to those who will listen. In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus spoke about being careful in our judgment of others:
What Does Matthew 7 Say About Judging Others?
7 “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. 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? 4How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5You 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. 6“Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces (Matthew 7:1-6).
The Greek Meaning of "Judge" in the Bible
The verb "judge" (v. 7) derives from the Greek word "krino," which also forms the basis of "critic." Its original meaning is to separate, but it can also refer to judging in a courtroom or discerning truth from falsehood. This ability to distinguish truth from lies is a key aspect of our discipleship. Consequently, Jesus does not mean that we should never judge, as he clarifies in verse 6: “Do not give dogs what is sacred.” We are expected to recognize and address errors, not to ignore them.
Extending Grace in Leadership and Discipleship
Paul the apostle told Timothy not to rush into laying hands on someone (1 Timothy 5:22). This means he advised against giving new leaders leadership roles too early, highlighting the importance of carefully evaluating their character. Leaders must make well-informed decisions about individuals. When Jesus says not to judge, what is He actually pointing to? Just as a fruit tree goes through various stages before its fruit is ready for harvest, being a disciple means we should assess our brothers and sisters with abundant grace rather than criticizing them at every step of their growth. We should allow them space to mature in grace, remembering that the Master will judge us by the same measure we have used during our lives.
Practical Application: How to Handle Criticism and Self-Examine
As a disciple, understanding where people come from is essential, but be cautious not to judge by outward appearances alone. Many of God's most remarkable leaders have risen from difficult circumstances and lacked worldly resources or encouragement. In your journey as a follower of Jesus, start your judgment with yourself. Remove the beam in your own eye before trying to help others with their specks. Stay receptive to the Holy Spirit's correction as He guides your thoughts and actions. New believers should focus on building their character first before they can influence others or lead in God’s church. I often wonder where I would be today if I had listened to that person who once told me to quit teaching God’s Word.
Put It Into Practice: Heart Check Questions
1. Recall a "Plank" Moment: Think of a time someone's criticism deeply hurt you. Did you use it to grow closer to God's calling, or did it make you want to shrink back? Pray for the strength to choose the path of growth today.
2. Check Your Eye: Before you correct a spouse, a friend, or a coworker today, pause. Ask the Holy Spirit: "Is there a 'plank' of pride or impatience in my own eye that I need to deal with first?"
3. Offer Room to Grow: Think of someone in your life who is frustrating you. Cultivate "abundant grace" by intentionally choosing not to criticize their current stage of spiritual fruit-bearing. Keith Thomas
A Prayer for Deeper Discipleship
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your abundant grace toward me while I am still growing. Lord, heal the wounds left by harsh judgments in my past, and give me the determination to pursue Your calling anyway. Soften my heart so that I am slow to criticize others and quick to examine my own flaws. Help me pull the plank out of my own eye today so that I can see others clearly through Your eyes of love. Amen.
The video teaching on this topic is found below:
Continue Your Spiritual Journey…
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This meditation is adapted from the complete study: The Sermon on the Mount: 6 Keys to Walking in Genuine Faith
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