Last week when I was creating our church bulletin, I came across a saying that I figured we could serve as a good reminder for all of us. “When looking for faults, use a mirror not a microscope.”
How often do we hold a microscope up to everyone else, zooming in on their mistakes, their tone, their decisions, while barely glancing in the mirror ourselves? It’s so much easier to analyze someone else than to examine our own hearts.
In Matthew 7:5 Jesus said, “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.” I sometimes say to myself, “Tina Pimnkoson, who are you to make a judgement about someone else? Look in the mirror, girl.”
Because when we look in the mirror first, something changes. Our words become gentler. Our patience grows. Grace shows up. And suddenly, we’re less interested in making a judgement, and more concerned about our own behavior.
I’ve noticed that when I spend more time in the mirror, I shine brighter. Not because I’m perfect, but because despite my imperfection, Jesus still loves me. Pride dims our light, but humility reflects His. Even though I have rough edges, He can smooth them out. When I invite Him to search my heart, He often provides wisdom and compassion when it is needed. That’s when His light starts to shine through me.
The world doesn’t need more people carrying microscopes. It needs more people willing to stand in front of the mirror and let God do His gentle refining work. Because when we do, we become lights reflecting His kindness, His patience, and His love.
Shine, Shine, Shine!