They asked about it without much feeling.

They treated it as something worth celebrating.

Pause, ask respectfully, and wait before judging.

Call it wasteful at once because it feels inefficient.

Assume your first reaction settles the matter.

Keep quiet outwardly but keep a contemptuous verdict inside.

If you would like to receive Jesus, pray this with me: Lord Jesus, I admit that I have sinned, and I have often judged others with pride. I cannot save myself. I believe you died for my sins and rose again. I turn from my sin and ask you to rule my life. Forgive me, receive me, and teach me to love what honors you. Amen.

From Pride to Mercy

Lord, revive your Church where we have become quick to criticize and slow to understand. Soften our hearts, clear our sight, and make us eager to honor sincere devotion rather than dismiss it. Wake us up to your worth and to the beauty of costly love, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Make Your People Gentle Again

Father, we confess that we often call things wasteful before we have listened. Cleanse us from contempt, impatience, and pride. Teach us to speak with humility and to value what is meant to honor you, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Forgive Our Rash Judgments

Thank God for every sincere act of service, gift, or worship that is offered to him with love. Ask him to teach you to recognize and cherish what honors Christ, even when it looks costly.

Thank God for Costly Devotion

Pray by naming one moment when you were quick to call something wasteful. Ask for a quieter spirit, then ask God to show you what the person was trying to honor.

How to Pray Before You Judge

Pray for Christians whose sincere love, giving, or service is criticized or mocked. Ask God to strengthen them, soften the critics, and help the church honor true devotion.

For Believers Who Are Misunderstood

ἰδόντες{i-DON-tes###ee-DOHN-tehs###having seen} δὲ{DE###DEH###(and)} οἱ{HEE###HEE###the} ⸀μαθηταὶ{ma-thee-TE###mah-thee-TEH###disciples} ἠγανάκτησαν{ee-ga-NAK-ti-san###ee-gah-NAHK-tee-sahn###(they) became indignant} λέγοντες·{LE-gon-tes###LEH-gohn-tehs###saying} Εἰς{EES###EES###for} τί{TEE###TEEH###what} ἡ{HEE###HEE###the} ἀπώλεια{a-PO-lee-a###ah-POH-lee-ah###waste} αὕτη;{AF-tee###AHF-tee###this}

Matthew 26:8 — DynamicTAB

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