One of the most psychologically and spiritually insightful remarks from Jesus in the New Testament is not to judge, lest you too will be judged in the same manner — “For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. (Matthew 7:1) Let’s face it: a favorite pastime of most human beings is criticism of others.
We delight in pointing out the shortcomings, moral failings, and annoying tendencies of our neighbors. This is, of course, a function of pride and egotism: the more I put someone else down, the more elevated I feel.
But it is also, oddly, a magnificent means of turning a mirror on ourselves, to see what usually remains unseen. Why, we ought to ask, do we find precisely this sin of others particularly annoying? Why does that trait or sin of another especially gall us? Undoubtedly, Jesus implies, because it reminds us of a similar failing in ourselves.
Take the time today to recall a person that you have found hard to take and recount in detail the characteristics that made the person so obnoxious to you. Take this list to prayer and ask God to forgive those same faults in yourself.
Lord, thank you for Your wisdom to understand myself.
Smitten With Goodness 