Sunday

February 16th, 2025

The Gift of Coals

Matthew 7v1-5

“Do not judge, so that you won’t be judged.

2 For you will be judged by the same standard with which you judge others, and you will be measured by the same measure you use. 3 Why do you look at the splinter in your brother’s eye but don’t notice the beam of wood in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the splinter out of your eye,’ and look, there’s a beam of wood in your own eye? 5 Hypocrite! First take the beam of wood out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to take the splinter out of your brother’s eye.”

Inhale: Lord, help me

Exhale: To not judge

Take a moment to read through the passage again and go over these questions:

• What is the difference between giving feedback and judging?

• Jesus here uses the word "judge” but it carries the weight of “condemnation.” What causes you to “judge” others with a heart of condemnation? Is it insecurity? Is it hurt from the person you’re judging?

• Proverbs 25v21-22 says, “21 If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink, for you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you.” Instead of judgment, how can you “heap coals” of kindness on the people you tend to judge?

Take a moment to come to the Lord in prayer and ask Him to help you not judge.

Inhale: Lord, help me

Exhale: To heap coals, rather than judge