The Story

Self-righteousness makes another person's sin look clear while our own sin becomes blurry. We remember their wrong words in detail, but forget the hardness of our own hearts. This destroys relationships. When each person holds tightly to the other's record of wrongs, repentance disappears. What remains is self-defense and accusation. Jesus came for people who cannot see their own sin. He opens our eyes, not to destroy us, but to lead us to repentance. The cross tells us our sin is deeper than we thought and God's grace is deeper than we dared to hope. Before pointing to another person's fault, let the Word point to your heart. The Spirit makes us humble enough to confess our sin and gentle enough to help others with grace. Prayer Father of light, I praise you because you reveal the truth of my heart with faithfulness and mercy. Forgive me for seeing another's sin more clearly than my own and using rightness to protect pride. Thank you for Jesus Christ, who bore the sin of proud people like me. Holy Spirit, make me repentant and gentle. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.