Just as one may see his face reflected in water, so, as he looks into his own heart, he sees that which is also in the hearts of others. As far as any inherent righteousness is concerned, we “are all under sin; as it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: there is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God,” “for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” As for us who are saved by God’s grace, we all still have to confess that “I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good, I find not.” Do we excuse things in ourselves which we condemn in others? If things are sinful in others, they are sinful in us also. If things permitted by others seem hateful or questionable, they are hateful and questionable in us too. “Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man … for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.” And as we long in our own hearts for understanding and comfort and encouragement, let us remember that others have the same needs, “knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.” |