Empathy of a log

“Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?”
– Jesus (Matthew 7:3)

Jesus tells us to address our own mess first. Hypocrisy is a big deal.

But I don’t think hypocrisy is the root of his issue here. I think the deeper reason Jesus told us to look at ourselves first, is because that’s how we develop empathy for others.

Empathy is when you can feel what others feel.

When you address your own issues first, you not only understand the truth of the matter, you work through the emotional baggage that comes with it.

Most of us, in some form or another, have a concept of right and wrong. And if not, there’s google. What we don’t need are more facts.

Instead, what we need are people who’ve made it through who can tell us where not to step. That’s what empathy is. And that’s who we become when we look at ourselves first.