You may think you can condemn such people, but you are just as bad, and you have no excuse! When you say they are wicked and should be punished, you are condemning yourself, for you who judge others do these very same things. And we know that God, in his justice, will punish anyone who does such things. Since you judge others for doing these things, why do you think you can avoid God’s judgment when you do the same things? Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?
Romans 2: 1-4 (New Living Translation)
When I read the last few verses describing the sinful condition of others, it’s all too easy to think that I am somehow not included. After all, few would say that I am filled with “all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness…full of envy, murder, strife…” and the list goes on and on.
But am I really off the hook? I may not be involved in overt sexual immorality, but how often have I been guilty of gossip or slander or something else?
The truth is, I am not off the hook. Not one of us is. Each one of us is guilty and in need of the Savior, Paul describes.
Throughout the Scriptures, God is described as patient with mankind. Instead of immediate judgment, he consistently expressed grace and mercy, and kindness.
The question for each of us is, how are we responding to His kindness?
0 Comments