Romans 2 - 8.27.26
SCRIPTURE: Romans 2:1 – 4
“1 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 realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?”
OBSERVATION
Criticism, judgement and repentance. In verses 1 and 2 are the answers to the questions in verses 3 and 4.
We aren’t perfect and have the same faults as those we criticize. We must never forget because of the fall of man in the choices of Adam and Eve, we are born with a nature to sin (fall short of God’s best) that has consequences. BUT WE are blessed with the “riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead us to repentance.”
“Got Questions” shows the definition of repentance as “The word repentance in the Bible literally means “the act of changing one’s mind.” True biblical repentance goes beyond remorse, regret, or feeling bad about one’s sin. It involves more than merely turning away from sin. In its fullest sense it is a term for a complete change of orientation involving a judgment upon the past and a deliberate redirection for the future.”
APPLICATION
Matthew 7:3-5 says “3 Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye”.
First look at our own weakness before we criticize the weakness of others, wrong actions or words and pass judgement. Often when we see a weakness in others, it is the same weakness we have or we wouldn’t recognize it. One way or another these scriptures have great application to show kindness, forbearance and patience before we speak.
The application is to Watch your words!
The bible offers many profound insights on looking in the mirror, emphasizing self-reflection and spiritual awareness.
"For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror; for he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like." James 1:23-24
PRAYER
Dear Lord Jesus, my savior, my teacher, let me read your word and show me what I am to learn, change and give to others. Lord, I truly do not want to be hypocritical of others but this creeps up. And Lord, I know that I have no idea why others may say or act the way they do because of pain and suffering in their families or life style. Lord, if I see someone I might be critical of, let me show them kindness, encourage them, and pray for them. I cherish you, my father, who brought me out of the darkness into your light. I ask that I see clearly. I want the light of your glory. Thank you for your words, Lord and for the mirror of your truth. I cherish every word and I am humbly asking for the riches of your kindness, forbearance and patience, so that I show these to others. Amen!
- Charleen Zakarian
