Luke 18: Humility Receives, What Pride Tries to Earn.

 

Humility receives, what pride tries to earn.

Parable of the pharisee and tax collector
Luke 18 9-14

Jesus contrasts two kinds of prayer and two conditions of the heart. The Pharisee prayed with pride, exalting himself because of his own righteousness and comparing himself with others. He trusted in his works rather than in God's mercy. The tax collector, however, prayed with humility. He recognized his sinfulness and weakness, knowing that he could not save himself. Instead of relying on his own strength, he cast himself upon the grace of God, crying, "God, be merciful to me, a sinner." Through this parable, Jesus teaches that God honors the humble heart that depends on His grace, not the proud heart that trusts in its own righteousness.

There are times we became prideful like pharisees not only in our prayer,but most of the time in our thoughts and in our hearts.

*Lord I obey You,I deserve this...
*I sacrificed a lot, pls answer me now...
*I am Your servant, bless me...
*I am better than them, give this for me...

We may encounter this kind of scenario in our thoughts in our hearts, but the tax collector shows the good example for us :

Before looking at the failures of others, we should examine our own hearts. Like the tax collector, we come to God not boasting of what we have done, but trusting in what God has done for us through His mercy and grace. Humility receives the grace that pride overlooks.

God delights in obedience and faithfulness, but our relationship with Him is not a transaction. We do not earn His love or purchase His blessings through our works.


Reflection:
Am I serving God because I love Him, or am I expecting Him to repay me for my service?

Prideful heart pray...Lord do this for me.
Humble heart pray... Lord, work in me.

*Prayer
Heavenly Father,thank You for the love and grace You show us through Your word.I come before You nothing to boast in me for I always fall short for Your Glory. Reveal my heart everytime I feel that I am better than others.Help me to always live a humble life that always depends on You and by Your grace alone. Help me to always acknowledge that in You I can do nothing.
In Jesus name. Amen

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ELDER SALLY - JCRC RIYADH