Monday, January 30, 2023

Many times, we are ready to criticize others, but we should check if we might deserve the very same criticism. In this passage, Jesus teaches us to examine our motives and conduct rather than judging someone. In the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector (Luke 18:9-14), two men went to the church to pray. But the Pharisee was judgmental toward the tax collector and was proud of his own righteousness. This is highly dangerous. The Pharisee compared his sin to the tax collector, while the tax collector focused on himself alone and was not judgmental. Do you find it easy to magnify others’ faults while excusing your own faults? Judge yourself first, then lovingly help your friends. We don’t get closer to God by passing judgment on others. Lord, help me not to judge others, and give me a discerning spirit to judge myself first!

Haggai inspired me to start two new ministries and helped me with strategies for how to raise funds locally.