When you get even the smallest speck of dust or pollen in your eye it can cause a ton of discomfort. In Matthew 7:3-5, Jesus says, “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? How 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? 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.”

God does not measure our sin. Sin is sin, no matter how great or small.  We’re all guilty and have fallen short of His expectations. It’s all the same to Him, but I have the promise that I am forgiven no matter how bad I’ve been in the past. That doesn’t mean I have a free pass to continue sinning. God expects us to be obedient and stay away from things that draw us back into temptation, but even that requires us to depend on Him.  He has a much greater plan for our lives here on earth. All we need to do is stay nourished by His Word, walk in His ways and follow Him.

Being a Christian does not guarantee that I will be sinless, but  I’ve been freed from the bondage of sin – my sins are forgiven – the gift comes with no cost on my part – there are no strings attached – I am guaranteed a place in heaven after my death.  All the good deeds and prayers will not make any of that happen.  It’s all about God and His love for me.

Dear God, as I walk through my life today, let me turn my thoughts to you. When I am troubled by what others do, help me to remember my own sin and ask again for your forgiveness, knowing that you will generously give it to me again and again. Amen!