<p>In today’s passage, both the Pharisee and the tax collector are praying—yet their hearts are different. The tax collector feels ashamed, like the prodigal son who returned. Standing some distance away, he was even unwilling to lift his eyes to heaven but was beating his chest.</p><p> </p><p>The Pharisee prays with pride, while the tax collector, deeply grieved by his sins, cannot even look up to heaven and falls to his knees. Whose prayer will God hear?</p><p> </p><p>We must have compassion for each other. Do not criticize, curse, ignore, or despise one another. Yes, the Pharisee may do well, and the tax collector may deserve some scorn—he did wrong. But God’s standards are different.</p><p> </p><p>It is hard for those who see themselves as righteous to enter the kingdom of heaven. It is difficult for those who exalt themselves to enter. Let us humble ourselves.</p><p> </p><p><i>Excerpt from the sermon by Pastor Lee, Nov 4, 2024.</i></p><p><i>Luke 18:9-14</i></p>
<!-- -->
