Matthew 7:1-2 – Judge not, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the same measure you use, it will be measured to you. (NIV)

Thank goodness I finally found my other mitten. The washing machine had tucked it safely into the leg of my jogging pants. Finally a complete pair!

Number one mitten had disappeared, but I had saved number two! These white mittens with the red trim were the last present that my mom was able to make for me. They bring back treasured memories!

When I was a one-mitten owner, I began to think about what my children would say if they went through my dresser.

"Poor mom, she was really losing it. Who saves one mitten! Good job we got her in the home when we did!" These were some of the same unkind, thoughtless words I used about my mom.

Matthew 7:3 – That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging. It is easy to see a smudge on your neighbour's face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own. (MSG)

We all make the same mistake. We decide things about people's lives without really knowing the people. Thankfully, our God does not judge this way. He knows our hearts inside and out. He understands lost mittens, loneliness, and forgiveness.

Prayer: Father, forgive us for being so harsh and unthinking. Forgive us for not taking the time to know the people around us. Forgive us for thinking our way is always right. Thank you for really understanding who we are. In Jesus' name. Amen.

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About the author:

Brenda Wood <brenda.w@nextcom.ca>
Sandycove Acres, Innisfil, Ontario, Canada
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