Remove the Plank

Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye;
then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye.  {Matthew 7:5}

There is so much unkindness in the world and it frustrates me.  Often I let one unkind word or action derail my day.  Recently the Lord reminded me instead of fretting about the behavior of others, I need to focus on my behavior first - that I am not perfectly kind nor patient.  (I love how He is able to tell me where/how I fail, but in such a way that it instantly humbles my heart, turns me toward Him, and draws me closer to His heart.)

Sometimes it is easy to remember to extend grace to another, and other times, it is the furthest thing from my mind.  On a recent trip there was a young man speeding and tailgating everyone.  The Lord softened my heart and had me praying for his safety and for whatever urgent matter he had to attend to.  But the lesson didn't last long.  As I returned home very late that night I instantly bemoaned the fact that one of my apartment neighbors had cranked up the music and was singing drunk and off key.  Instead of having a heart of compassion, I was bitter about the lack of peace and sleep.  When I awoke a few hours later to quiet and stillness, the Lord pointed out my failing and how I should have been praying for whatever was going on that my neighbor was so hurt and sad.

You may think you can condemn such people, but you are just as bad, and you have no excuse!
When you say they are wicked and should be punished, you are condemning yourself,
for you who judge others do these very same things.  {Romans 2:1}

I think of how much kindness and patience the Lord has for me in my sin and stubbornness.  He never tires of covering me with His grace and mercy, showering me with His forgiveness.  I struggle over and again with the same thing, continually turning it over to Him, and He still calls me His child, forgives me, and helps me anew, drawing me ever closer to His heart.  The parable of the unforgiving servant {Matthew 18:21-35} comes to mind and how much grace the Lord has given me, so too I should be with others.  Lord increase my patience and grace for others, that I might love them as You do!