Start with the Person in the Mirror
"Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?" - Matthew 7:3
It’s easy to look at the lives of others and think we know better. We can be quick to judge the misfortunes and struggles of those around us, assuming that their circumstances are a result of poor decisions, or worse, that they somehow deserved it. This kind of thinking isn’t new, Jesus addressed it in His time.
People believed that tragedies were divine punishment, and if someone suffered, it must have been because they were more sinful. But Jesus shattered that mindset. He reminded them, and us, that our focus should be on our own lives, not on critiquing others.
We live in a world where it's common to see others’ problems more clearly than our own. We might analyze someone else’s marriage, criticize their parenting, or pick apart their choices, all while ignoring the areas of our own lives that need work. Jesus’ words remind us that the real work of growth and transformation starts within. We can’t change others, but we can examine ourselves.
Self-examination is uncomfortable. It’s much easier to point out the flaws in others than to admit our own. But if you want to grow—if you want to truly follow Jesus—you have to start with the person in the mirror. This isn't about condemning yourself or wallowing in guilt. It’s about taking responsibility for your own life and being honest about where you need God’s help to change.
Jesus calls us to repentance, not just in a one-time decision, but in a daily commitment to self-examination and growth. When you stop focusing on other people’s faults and start looking at where God wants to work in your heart, that’s when true transformation begins.
Take some time today to look at your life. What areas need growth? Where do you need to repent, ask for forgiveness, or seek change? God is ready to meet you in that space, not with condemnation, but with the grace to help you grow. It all starts with the person in the mirror.
It’s easy to look at the lives of others and think we know better. We can be quick to judge the misfortunes and struggles of those around us, assuming that their circumstances are a result of poor decisions, or worse, that they somehow deserved it. This kind of thinking isn’t new, Jesus addressed it in His time.
People believed that tragedies were divine punishment, and if someone suffered, it must have been because they were more sinful. But Jesus shattered that mindset. He reminded them, and us, that our focus should be on our own lives, not on critiquing others.
We live in a world where it's common to see others’ problems more clearly than our own. We might analyze someone else’s marriage, criticize their parenting, or pick apart their choices, all while ignoring the areas of our own lives that need work. Jesus’ words remind us that the real work of growth and transformation starts within. We can’t change others, but we can examine ourselves.
Self-examination is uncomfortable. It’s much easier to point out the flaws in others than to admit our own. But if you want to grow—if you want to truly follow Jesus—you have to start with the person in the mirror. This isn't about condemning yourself or wallowing in guilt. It’s about taking responsibility for your own life and being honest about where you need God’s help to change.
Jesus calls us to repentance, not just in a one-time decision, but in a daily commitment to self-examination and growth. When you stop focusing on other people’s faults and start looking at where God wants to work in your heart, that’s when true transformation begins.
Take some time today to look at your life. What areas need growth? Where do you need to repent, ask for forgiveness, or seek change? God is ready to meet you in that space, not with condemnation, but with the grace to help you grow. It all starts with the person in the mirror.
Subscribe Now for Free Daily Devotions
Recent
Archive
2025
January
Plenty of RoomThankful for Your SeatWho God Invites to the TableThat’s the PointWe Do Not Have a Monopoly on GodStop Talking So LoudLet God Handle the Guest ListA Long-Awaited ReunionSeeing Jesus for YourselfIn Possession of a Personal PromiseGet in the Right PositionReady to ReceiveAligning Your Life for God's PromiseWaiting with ExpectancyGrounded in PrayerStrength in PrayerPatience Through PrayerStay Focused Through PrayerGod's Conditional PromisesGod’s PriorityGrounded in FaithTrusting God's TimingThe Assurance of God's PromisesIs It Well With Your Soul?Health vs. HealingStewarding Your BodyA Holistic View of SpiritualityGod Cares About Your BodyWhat You Put in MattersNourishing Your SoulThe Power of Prevention
February
The Power of a ComebackHealing from the PastStop Blaming and Start TrustingBury the Past to Claim the FutureFacing Trauma with TruthCelebrate That You SurvivedRepair What is BrokenNothing God Can’t FixDon’t Swing at Bad PitchesStick to God’s PlanDon’t Let Desperation Drive YouShift Your WeightWho Knows Best?A Good Idea Isn’t Always a God IdeaPeace in God’s PlanFinding Purpose in God’s PlanProsperity in God’s PlanTrusting God’s Plan, Pace, and ProcessKnowing When to PivotGod Hasn’t Given Up on YouNext-Level Faith Requires PerseveranceA New Revelation of GodIt’s Not All About YouNext-Level ConnectionsNext-Level CommitmentA Prayer That Moves GodPrayers That Carry a BurdenPray With Boldness
March
A Solid FoundationPositioned for BlessingMarked by LoveTrust God's JudgmentRest in God's DeliveranceLet Go of ControlWhat You Want MostWhy Church Still MattersFaith in the Midst of DisappointmentJoy for the JourneyA Place of SafetyStrength in CommunityPeace in the ChaosThe Purpose of the ValleySeasons ChangeUnshaken in the StormHold OnThe Power of ResilienceNever AloneGod Is Closer Than You ThinkLet Go of WorryLet Go of WorryBelieve Before You SeeResilient FaithHow to Be a Success God's WayTrue Success Starts with the SoulSuccess Through SurrenderCharacter That Speaks for ItselfThe Power of Being RealKeep GrowingSuccess in the Face of Opposition
No Comments