The Gnat and the Camel

"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees,

you hypocrites!

You give a tenth of your spices--

mint, dill and cummin. 

But you have neglected

 the more important matters of the law--

justice, mercy and faithfulness.

You should have practiced the latter,

 without neglecting the former.

You blind guides!

  You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel."

Matthew 23:23-24

Jesus hammered the church leaders hard.  He said they were so quick to enforce the law when it came to others but neglected their own hearts.  Consequently, they had become blind guides; cold and indifferent to the suffering of others.

How do I pay more attention to outward appearance or behavior than I do to the heart?

It's easy to condemn homosexuality as wrong but forget the soul in need of the grace found in Jesus.

I can quickly point out the evils of prostitution and pornography or drug and alcohol abuse, but ignore the underlying need for a Savior.

Jumping to conclusions comes naturally, but letting God show me His perspective takes humility. 

Sin is sin, and I must remember that each one of us relies on God's grace.