God’s love lifts the humble—rest in His mercy

Jesus contrasts the Pharisee’s pride with the tax collector’s plea, showing a love that favors the lowly. The humble sinner, crying for mercy, finds God’s ear, while self-righteousness builds walls. This love heals our pride, the root of so much self-cruelty, by lifting us when we bow low. It’s not our deeds but His grace that justifies, soothing the shame that keeps us distant. The tax collector’s prayer—“Have mercy on me”—echoes our need, met by a Father who exalts the broken. Resting in this mercy, we’re freed from comparison, inspired to approach others with kindness, not judgment, mirroring the love that sees and saves the contrite heart. - Luke 18:9-14 (Pharisee and tax collector)