“We reprehend small things in others, and pass over greater matters in ourselves.”
Thomas a Kempis
“You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”
Jesus Matthew 7:5
Why do we so often find it easier to see the faults of others rather than our own?
My experience tells me that we fear self-reflection because our world equates failure with rejection and lack of value. If we see in ourselves where we have failed, we must believe that we are without value and may be rejected by others. Yet often we are willing to see the failure of others, and make room (some receive more room than others) for redemption and reconciliation – at least if the apology, acknowledgment, repentance, and penance take place in what we deem to be an appropriate manner.
The problem outlined by Jesus and echoed by Thomas a Kempis is simple: We all have issues. Too often we want to see the issues of others rather than taking an honest look – and then remedying – the issues of our own hearts. We condemn others more easily than we recognize our own need for repentance and restoration.
Hypocrisy often grows out of a heart of fear. When I fear my failure, I have forgotten who God is and what He has done. God is love. Through Jesus, God has created the perfect plan for reconciliation. I am not my failure. I am not my past. I am a loved child of God. By dealing with my sin – by bringing it into the light – I am no longer a slave to that sin, no longer working to hide from others and myself where I have failed. I have failed. God knows. And God loves, forgives and redeems me.
In this Lenten time of self-reflection and repentance, I am reminded of words I (and others) have spoken: “I don’t have a great testimony. I’ve never done _______.” Recently I have been convicted as I remember these words and begin to look at the ways God has worked in my heart; convicting me of wrong attitudes and actions, calling me to live a life of love for others rather than living for myself. I have seen God work in me, and see Him continuing that work. My testimony is simply what God is doing in me. When I look at what He has accomplished, I know that I have a testimony to tell. When I look at the work that still needs to be done, I know that I will have a fresh testimony for many years.
Lord, forgive me for the times my faith in You is smaller than my fear of my failings. I forget who You are and what You have done. Today, right now, I choose to remember. I choose to believe You when You say You love me. I choose to receive Your Presence as Your Spirit lives in me, changing my heart, bringing me into reconciliation with You. May my need to criticize and correct others be set aside, and instead may Your love and grace change me, so that I can love others and celebrate Your work of reconciliation in them.