Jesus said, “Do not judge, so that you may not be judged. For with the judgment you make you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get. Why do you see the speck in your neighbor’s eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye? Or how can you say to your neighbor, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ while the log is 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 neighbor’s eye.
“Do not give what is holy to dogs; and do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample them under foot and turn and maul you.
“Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for bread, will give a stone? Or if the child asks for a fish, will give a snake? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask him!
“In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets.” Matthew 7:1-12
Asking for help can be hard for me. I do like my independence and control. I can get very frustrated when I am not able to accomplish tasks without help. We all do. We all want it our way and in our control. Yet, the joy and freedom in seeking help from others is remarkable. We often fight asking, seeking and knocking. That letting go and articulating need is the first step to unexpected blessings.
Jesus is teaching his disciples about trusting God. They are on a new, untested path, without any maps or guidance. So Jesus helps them (and us) by offering some very simple solutions to our hardest moments. Stop judging but instead forgive. Then ask for help, seek direction, knock on the door. God is faithful always, and we are open to the new when we let go of control and ask. It is so simple and yet profound.
Today I ask God to help me let go. May we all be vulnerable enough to ask, seek and knock, so that God can overwhelm us with surprising answers.
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