The Power of ForgivenessSample

Self-Criticism and the Burden of Seeing Your Own "Speck"

We are often quick to see the speck in others’ eyes but fail to notice the beam in our own. When it comes to forgiving ourselves, this tendency to overlook our own faults can manifest in subtle ways. Excessive self-criticism can become a way of punishing ourselves, believing that if we are hard enough on ourselves, we will somehow pay for our mistakes. However, this only prolongs suffering and prevents genuine forgiveness.

Noticing the "speck" in our own eye requires vulnerability and a willingness to face our mistakes without hiding behind justifications or excuses. At the same time, it's important not to lose ourselves in self-criticism. Many of us fall into the trap of being excessively harsh on ourselves, believing we don't deserve forgiveness. This creates a cycle of guilt and self-deprecation that prevents us from moving forward.

Accepting that we have flaws and make mistakes is part of the growth process. But the real challenge lies in balancing this self-awareness with the willingness to forgive ourselves. Recognizing the "speck" in our own eyes, without allowing it to define who we are, is a crucial step toward inner healing. Only then can we begin to lift this burden and allow God's Grace to transform us.