16 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17 so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. II Timothy 3:16-17

[This sermon is from weekly meetings where Reverend Paik preached to the “flock leaders” of the church]

When we consider the New Testament as a whole, its purpose is to teach us how to become righteous people. When you meet people in your flock, you might jump to judging and fixing their weaknesses. Before doing this, when we see flaws in others, let us consider first if and how they exist in ourselves. Usually, when you observe a speck in others, Jesus taught us that we might have a beam in our own.  Look at yourself before looking at others.

If we choose to, each of us can find all our weaknesses. So, in your flock, when you see someone with a weakness that prohibits them from spreading virtue to others, point it out to them, and if they correct it, they can become someone who receives the praise of others. However, if you point out faults in others without fixing your own, there is no benefit to your efforts. You create resentment and bad feelings.

We have many faults and weaknesses. We must try to fix ourselves and become more whole in the eyes of God. If you have made an effort and cannot fix your fault, work together with others to address that weakness. However, inside the church, we can end up treating each other worse than people in normal society. How do we avoid discord and work together to fix all our flaws? When someone points out a fault and they are wrong, bear it without resentment. It will become a blessing! If they point out something correct, rather than becoming resentful (even if we dislike hearing it), fixing it becomes a blessing. We become better people. Therefore, receiving criticism, whether just or unjust, will benefit us in either case. However, when we boast of or receive praise for our strengths, whether deserved or not, we should not take it to heart. It will not benefit us in either case.

Whatever weaknesses you have, whether it is arrogance, laziness, selfishness, or stubbornness, you recognize these traits in yourself once you reach a level of understanding. Focus on fixing these faults! Turn your full attention to fixing those flaws instead of being consumed by the faults themselves.

No matter who we encounter, do not judge or ridicule! Strive to become righteous! Never stop working on improving yourself! There is a saying that we must look at others to see and understand ourselves. We must live to correct our faults and remove our weaknesses so that we can meet the Lord as righteous beings.

Summary

1. Don’t hastily jump to judge others. 
2. Fix your flaws before pointing out the faults of others. 
3. Receiving criticism, good or bad, benefits us. 
4. Strive to become better. 

Click for Korean sermon.