Why do you despise me?

I don't understand your reaction:

• I am trying with all my might to live according to the law of God.
• I am trying to be a good example to you.
• I want to live a holy life.

Oh, it's because:

• I am self-righteous, i.e., not righteous at all but deluded into thinking I am.
• I thought that God favored me over other people because of my behavior, i.e., I thought I was holier-than-thou.
• I failed to see how self-centered my life is.

God, awake all the self-righteous from their dream of being justified before you by their works. Bring to them, as you have to me, the reality of our helpless state before you. Help us to abandon all hope in ourselves, and to find our only hope in the work of your Son. How precious is His name!