Week 7 | Peace: From Distraction to Presence

In Matthew 7, Jesus invites us to a way of being with others that is rooted in His contemplative rhythm of surrender, sit, and see. As we release anger, shame, and anxiety, we experience a freedom that allows us to offer contemplative presence and invites others to step into this freedom as well.  

Jesus begins with:

“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see 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, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.”  Matthew 7:1–6

In these verses, Jesus addresses judgmentalism which differs from discernment. When we are discerning, we assess another without the need to control, shame, or demand. When we are judgmental, we assess someone with a heart to control, put down, and push aside. As humans in a fallen world, we are complicated and messy, and our flesh frequently wants to simplify and fix things. This applies to both us and our relationships with others. 

Can you see ways in which you judge yourself? Do you notice a judgmental heart toward others? Discernment invites us to return to the gaze of God when we notice judgmental thoughts or actions. In His gaze, we are refreshed with His seeing and grounded again in discernment. 

When we know we are safe, seen, and secure in Christ, we release self-judgment as it comes. Romans 8:1 anticipates the struggle with self-judgment with the words, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” In the gaze of God, we experience this reality again and again as we discern that God does not relate to us based upon condemnation and judgment but in His deep love for us.

As we look at the life of Jesus, we learn what it looks like to interact with others from a place of non-judgment. In Mark 10:17-52, the rich young man comes to Jesus and Jesus lovingly challenges him to sell all he has and give to the poor. This invitation was preceded by, “And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him …” (verse 21). And when the young man walked away, Jesus did not chase him or chastise him. In fact, He acknowledged to the disciples how difficult it is for those who have great wealth. In the account of the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11), Jesus stood between the religious leaders who want to throw stones and this woman as He said. He who has no sin can cast the first stone. He was inviting the crowd to look at themselves with discernment.

In Jesus’ words about taking the log out of our own eye so we can take out the speck in the eye of a brother or sister, He is also inviting a posture of non-judgment. If we can look at ourselves with grace and discernment, it will lead us into non-judgmental love.  

In addition, Jesus entered each person’s world, seeing the wealth of the young man and the abuse of the woman. Love leads us into others’ lives with non-judgment and a holy interest in their story. When we judge, we assume we know the story of another. Discernment humbly seeks to know by asking questions. Larry Bourchard recognized the need for humility as he wrote: “I cannot truly know you if I do not misunderstand you. The risks are high here, and it will be painful – but if I do not misunderstand you, I have simply projected myself onto you. I cannot know you, there can be no relationship with you, without misunderstanding you. We must misunderstand and then work from there.” A non-judgmental posture asks questions, does not assume, and listens, in order to move past misunderstanding to an understanding based on reality.

Spend a few moments and consider someone who you believe has a “speck” in their eye. Set that to the side and ask the Holy Spirit to show you a “log” in your own eye.” Don’t rush, but slowly be attentive to what the Spirit brings to your awareness. Confess your sin as sin and rest in God’s love and grace. Now, come back to the other person and pray for them. Ask the Father to help you see their story and see ways you may misunderstand them. Hold this person, with humility, before the Lord. 

Prayer: Lord, may I follow Jesus into a non-judgmental way of loving others. Thank You for Your grace toward me. Help me to grow in extending that grace to others.