Have you ever noticed how quick we are to accuse someone else of some of the very things we excuse in ourselves? In so doing, we practise a double standard, requiring more from others than of ourselves. Jesus said, ‘Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?’ (Matthew 7:3 NKJV). The double standard works like this: 1) When others are set in their ways, they’re obstinate – but you are firm and resolved. 2) When your neighbour doesn’t like your friend, she’s prejudiced – but when you don’t like her friend, you’re a good judge of character. 3) When she tries to treat someone especially well, she’s buttering them up – but when you do so, you’re being thoughtful. 4) When she takes time to do things well, she’s lazy – but when you do so, you’re meticulous. 5) When she spends a lot, she’s reckless and undisciplined – but when you do the same thing, you’re generous. 6) When she picks flaws in things, she’s critical – but when you do, you’re perceptive. 7) When she’s mild-mannered, you call her weak – but when you are, you’re gracious. 8) When she dresses well, she’s extravagant – but when you do, you’re tastefully in style. 9) When she says what she thinks, she’s spiteful – but when you do, you’re being honest. 10) When she takes risks, she’s foolhardy – but when you do, you’re brave. Paul wrote: ‘Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honour giving preference to one another.’ So, the word for today is: let us honour one another.

© 2024. Written by Bob and Debby Gass. Used by permission under licence from UCB International.