Romans 2:1-5
“Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things. We know that the judgment of God rightly falls on those who practice such things. Do you suppose, O man—you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself—that you will escape the judgment of God? Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed.”
In our culture, some people struggle with having an attitude of being superior to others. If we are honest with ourselves, we have all been one of those people. Our culture teaches us that we should cast judgement onto others to make ourselves feel better or to look better. Comparison leads people to thinking their sin isn’t as evil as another. Sadly, this wrong ideology has spread within the culture of the church. Thankfully the Bible brings clarity to casting judgement onto others.
The Bible teaches us within these verses that judgement does not belong to anyone, but God. As followers of Jesus, we fall into this trap that our sin isn’t as evil as another follower of Jesus. Or we fall into this false sense of superiority that we have power to judge nonbelievers. Verse one makes clear that no one has the right to judge because we condemn ourselves through our own sin. God is the only one that can judge. He is the only one that has the power to give Jesus the ability to bring forgiveness.
In my own personal walk with Jesus, verse four has wrecked me. “…God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?” Wow just wow. God’s kindness is meant to bring this sinful, evil, dishonest, and nasty me to the feet of Jesus to find repentance. Whom am I to cast judgement on to anyone for anything. I am a sinner that desperately needs Jesus. Yes, we are called to share Jesus to everyone. In moments people might feel uncomfortable or even judged when we share because the Holy Spirit convicts them. However, we must share Jesus, love everyone, and pray for nonbelievers. Nothing more or nothing less.
Follower of Jesus, my friend, whoever you are, please remember these words, “…God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?” God cares for you deeply. You and I must not use our insecurities or flaws as an excuse to cast judgement on others. We ourselves must seek Jesus for repentance and lead others to Jesus for repentance. I am praying for you.
Much love – Macon
Use the HEAR method as you spend time with today’s scripture.
Highlight – what words or phrases jump out at you
Explain – what does the passage mean?
Apply – how does the passage intersect with your life today?
Respond – how is God leading you to respond?
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"God’s kindness is meant to bring this sinful, evil, dishonest, and nasty me to the feet of Jesus to find repentance" - Macon Jones