Monday 16th March
Read Romans 2:1-4
“You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. 2 Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. 3 So when you, a mere human being, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment? 4 Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realising that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?” (NIVUK)
Inherent to human nature is the ease with which we pass judgment on others. Our consciences are so fully developed that we know exactly what is right and wrong and can identify it in others. At the same time we are completely blind to it in our own hearts.
Paul is speaking to those who observe all the ‘wickedness, evil, greed and depravity… envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice… gossips, 30 slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful.. disobey their parents… 31 no understanding, no fidelity, no love, no mercy.” (Romans 1:29b-31) (NIVUK) and agree with him that it is disgraceful and depraved. Rather than approve of this behaviour as many in fact do (Romans 1:32), they condemn it (Romans 2:1).
But for Paul you are either a depraved sinner or a condemned judger.
Maybe we are both.
