I often think that Jesus had a great sense of humor, although we seldom preach on it or laugh at it! There are many instances in Scripture where his examples are both profound and humorous. In the first five verses of Matthew 7, we read about beams and splinters in our eyes. Of course this is humorous, but it works! If you have a beam in your eye how can you notice the splinter in your brother’s or sister’s eye?

Jesus is talking about being judgmental. How can we judge another when we are handicapped with a block in our own eyes? Being judgmental is part of the human condition. We seem to need to cast doubt on someone else rather than on ourselves. But yet judgement leads to anger, hatred, and human harm.

I have a dear friend who was raised by a very judgmental stepmother. The beams and splinters were plentiful. So much so that it became difficult to even bring friends home to visit. Her sister married someone from another ethnic group than the stepmother. As a result the stepmother did not talk much with her stepdaughter and certainly never invited the couple to her house. Even for holidays and special occasions.

As a Pastor of an open and affirming church I have seen some of this behavior within the affirming church. I’m sure you know someone who has exhibited similar behavior. Maybe even in your own family. But we also have to ask our self: “do we have a beam in our eye too?” I’m sure the answer is “yes”; the human condition!

Jesus teaches that judgment of others leads us to being judged as well. For as you judge, so will you be judged.

When we get ‘judgy’ we need to stop, take a deep breath and take the beam out of our eye. Then, when the beam is removed, we see others as forgiven and accepted. That is when the Grace of God abounds! Without judgment the next step is always forgiveness. Isn’t that what Jesus did in his life among us?