Fixing Yourself Before Others

"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 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." - Matthew 7:3-5 
  
It's a common tendency to notice the faults and weaknesses of others while remaining blind to our own shortcomings. We're quick to point out specks in the eyes of those around us, yet we fail to recognize the planks obstructing our own vision.

But Jesus offers a sobering reminder in Matthew 7:3-5: Before we attempt to fix others, we must first address what is wrong within ourselves. It's hypocritical to focus on the flaws of others while neglecting our own need for self-awareness and growth.
 
Instead of investing our time and energy into fixing others, let us turn inward and examine our own hearts and lives. What areas do we need to work on? What attitudes, behaviors, or habits are hindering our relationship with God and others?

Self-reflection requires humility and honesty. It's not always easy to confront our own weaknesses and imperfections, but it's essential for spiritual growth and maturity. When we acknowledge our need for improvement and invite God to work in us, He faithfully guides us on the path of transformation.
 
As we fix what is wrong within ourselves, we become better equipped to help others. Our own experiences of growth and healing enable us to offer empathy, understanding, and support to those struggling around us. And when we approach others from a place of humility and grace, our efforts to help them become more effective and meaningful.

Begin to cultivate a spirit of self-awareness and a willingness to grow and change with God's help. And as we journey on this path of transformation, extend grace and compassion to those around you, knowing that we are all works in progress, continually being molded and shaped by the loving hands of our Heavenly Father.