Mirror, Mirror, on the Wall
Reflections. There are days I like what I see in the mirror. And there are days I don’t.
Sometimes, it’s my kids’ faces looking back at me, attitude and all, a reflection of me. Other times, it’s my choices, bouncing back with outcomes that reveal whether I made a good or bad decision.
In a world consumed with a “me-first” mentality, we move so quickly that we rarely stop to process the feelings attached to those reflections. Even the good ones.
Like the sun bouncing off the lake as my daughter and her best friend paddleboard at sunset. Or the grin our sons give when they catch us smiling proudly as they grow more independent.
Good reflections stir up gratitude. Bad reflections stir up regret. But if I’m honest, I tend to dwell more on the bad ones than I give thanks for the good.
Lately, I’ve been reading Romans, and it has been tough—tough on my spirit, tough on my attitude, and tough on my heart. It keeps pointing out the ways I’ve passed judgment on others. Romans 2:1 alone gives my insides a good shaking:
“Therefore, every one of you who judges is without excuse. For when you judge another, you condemn yourself, since you, the judge, do the same things.”
I’ve repented for my misplaced judgments, even against those closest to me. Yes, I’ve been judgy (don’t judge me for admitting it!). But the hardest part hasn’t been confessing my judgment toward others—it’s been facing the judgment I heap on myself, judgment that Jesus never placed there.
That harsh inner critic says I should be more “type A” (even though I’m not even close to type B). It reminds me of the unrealistic expectations I set for myself:
And I know I’m not alone. Maybe my list doesn’t sound like yours, but you probably have your own version. The judgment of those inner mental gymnastics can be overwhelming.
But here’s the truth: there’s a difference between conviction and judgment.
Judgment leaves you stuck with shame and regret. Conviction may feel heavy, but it carries hope. It brings the chance to breathe deeper, live freer, and walk in change.
“[He is] the God who gives life to the dead and calls things into existence that do not exist.”
—Romans 4:17
This is the God we serve. The One who goes before us into every situation. The One who knows our inner thoughts—the good, the bad, and even the unspoken judgments. And still, He loves us.
Reflection (pun definitely intended) | What do you feel when you look in the mirror? Take that to Him. How do you see those around you—quick to assume the worst or tempted to ignore? Pay attention to the outcome of those moments. Jesus cares about all of it. And if it feels too raw, just pause there. Breakthrough comes when we slow down long enough to recognize it.
Judgment weighs us down with shame, but conviction lifts us with hope. God sees every reflection of our lives—and still loves us completely.
Prayer | Lord, thank You that You see me as I am and love me still. Help me to release the harsh judgments I place on myself and others. Teach me to recognize the difference between conviction that draws me closer to You and judgment that tears me down. Give me grace to embrace who You’ve made me to be and courage to reflect Your love in every part of my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Sometimes, it’s my kids’ faces looking back at me, attitude and all, a reflection of me. Other times, it’s my choices, bouncing back with outcomes that reveal whether I made a good or bad decision.
In a world consumed with a “me-first” mentality, we move so quickly that we rarely stop to process the feelings attached to those reflections. Even the good ones.
Like the sun bouncing off the lake as my daughter and her best friend paddleboard at sunset. Or the grin our sons give when they catch us smiling proudly as they grow more independent.
Good reflections stir up gratitude. Bad reflections stir up regret. But if I’m honest, I tend to dwell more on the bad ones than I give thanks for the good.
Lately, I’ve been reading Romans, and it has been tough—tough on my spirit, tough on my attitude, and tough on my heart. It keeps pointing out the ways I’ve passed judgment on others. Romans 2:1 alone gives my insides a good shaking:
“Therefore, every one of you who judges is without excuse. For when you judge another, you condemn yourself, since you, the judge, do the same things.”
I’ve repented for my misplaced judgments, even against those closest to me. Yes, I’ve been judgy (don’t judge me for admitting it!). But the hardest part hasn’t been confessing my judgment toward others—it’s been facing the judgment I heap on myself, judgment that Jesus never placed there.
That harsh inner critic says I should be more “type A” (even though I’m not even close to type B). It reminds me of the unrealistic expectations I set for myself:
- Always be early.
- Always plan ahead—for the whole family.
- Know what my bosses need before they ask.
- Keep the house spotless.
- Never forget lunches or homework (I already miss summer).
- Never, ever disappoint anyone.
And I know I’m not alone. Maybe my list doesn’t sound like yours, but you probably have your own version. The judgment of those inner mental gymnastics can be overwhelming.
But here’s the truth: there’s a difference between conviction and judgment.
Judgment leaves you stuck with shame and regret. Conviction may feel heavy, but it carries hope. It brings the chance to breathe deeper, live freer, and walk in change.
“[He is] the God who gives life to the dead and calls things into existence that do not exist.”
—Romans 4:17
This is the God we serve. The One who goes before us into every situation. The One who knows our inner thoughts—the good, the bad, and even the unspoken judgments. And still, He loves us.
Reflection (pun definitely intended) | What do you feel when you look in the mirror? Take that to Him. How do you see those around you—quick to assume the worst or tempted to ignore? Pay attention to the outcome of those moments. Jesus cares about all of it. And if it feels too raw, just pause there. Breakthrough comes when we slow down long enough to recognize it.
Judgment weighs us down with shame, but conviction lifts us with hope. God sees every reflection of our lives—and still loves us completely.
Prayer | Lord, thank You that You see me as I am and love me still. Help me to release the harsh judgments I place on myself and others. Teach me to recognize the difference between conviction that draws me closer to You and judgment that tears me down. Give me grace to embrace who You’ve made me to be and courage to reflect Your love in every part of my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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