LUKE 18:9–14
The man I often prayed with put his hand over mine when I voiced my displeasure about a friend’s decisions that were pushing him farther into sin and how I was affected by them, and he said, “Let us pray for all of us.”
I frowned.
I admitted that it hurt a little, but he was right. My spiritual arrogance and critical mindset are no more or less serious than my friend’s transgressions. And I was gossiping by discussing him.
In Luke 18, Jesus shares a parable about two men praying differently, illustrating how we can become trapped in comparing ourselves to others, boasting about ourselves, and living as though we have the power to change others.
By observing Jesus as an example of holy living and experiencing His goodness firsthand, we can magnify our need for God’s grace, experience His loving compassion and forgiveness, and expect and extend mercy to others.
🙏Lord, please help us avoid the pitfall of comparing ourselves with others. Reshape us to become more like you.
📷: Louis Hansel
