live together, die alone

Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?  Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.  matthew 7:3-5

This passage has stopped me too many times to count,  much to my shame. Feeling overwhelmed by my own sin and lack of wisdom, I've just clammed up. But it does not tell us to leave the speck in our brother's eye. Or the plank in our eye. This is not a defeatist mantra! God is sufficient to help us do both. Lay it all down. 

Do you see your sister or brother struggling? Maybe saw that quick flash of worry or sorrow or bitterness before the mask of perfection was readjusted? Or naggings of discomfort? Afraid to say something? To ask?  It's none of my business. Will she be offended? Will he retreat from our friendship? What if it's nothing?  What if it's something? I'm not adequate to help, anyway? 
                                                         Will it make things awkward? 
Guess what? She might be offended. He may retreat. The mood in the room may shift drastically. You ARE inadequate. It may get incredibly awkward. 
                                                                                         Okay. 
 Don't just shrug it off if you've got a burden for someone else. God, our creator, sovereign, sustainer, counselor, healer, and redeemer is not inadequate. Place your fear directly in his hands. Hand it over and ask Him to go ahead of you. Watch where he leads.  Expect Him to lead. 
         
Let your problem-solving instinct rest for a bit while you come along side and offer a safe ear to hear, an arm to hug, an hand to pray, lips to speak grace. That's first.  You don't even need to know the details. Just make it known that they are seen and loved and prayed over.  And then do these very things.  Be on guard against gossip and unwise counsel, but don't let fear(pride) stop you. 

We are the body.  An interactive,  crazy-messy family.  Our relationship with God is woven in with our relationships with each other. Walking together, admonishing, worshipping  our Father and diving into his truth and goodness together. And you are needed. Love graciously, speak truth, and grow together as we help each other focus on the cross.