Devotional

It is remarkably easy to spot what is wrong in someone else. Their attitude, their choices, their words. We notice it almost instantly. But here is the honest truth: we are often far less aware of what is happening in our own hearts. Jesus painted a picture that is almost funny because of how extreme it is. A person walking around with a giant wooden beam sticking out of their eye, trying to help someone else with a tiny speck. It sounds ridiculous. But if we are being honest, most of us have been that person at some point. This is not about lowering your standards or pretending wrong things are fine. It is about starting in the right place. Before you address what you see in someone else, pause. Take a long, honest look at yourself first. That pause is not weakness. It is wisdom. It is the beginning of real spiritual growth. And the good news is that you do not have to do that kind of self-examination alone. God is ready and willing to help you see clearly, if you are willing to ask Him.

Bible Verse

“Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but don’t notice the log in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ and look, there’s a log in your own eye? Hypocrite! First take the log out of your eye, and then you’ll see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.” – Matthew 7:3-5

Reflection Question

Is there an area of your own life that you have been avoiding looking at honestly, while staying focused on someone else’s faults?

Quote

“Before you worry about anybody else, you need to worry about yourself.”

Prayer

Lord, give me the courage to look honestly at myself before I look critically at others. Help me to start with my own heart. Amen.