Romans 2:1- 4

Scripture Verse

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?

Understanding Grace

The Bible is clear about not judging others. We are told to first remove the plank from our eye (Matthew 7:3-5), and Paul’s words in Roman’s echo Jesus’s lesson in the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant (Matthew 18:21-35).

But what is so bad about judging others? Especially when people may behave in ways that are just…wrong. Verse 4 makes all the difference in understanding this passage, and why we should not judge others.

It’s not just because the Bible says so. Or because we’ll receive negative consequences (condemning ourselves). It is about understanding the richness of God’s grace through Jesus’s sacrifice on the Cross.

As we meditate on this passage today, let us first consider the wonderful and generous kindness, forbearance, and patience from God that we have experienced in our own lives. And with gratefulness in our hearts, let us reflect the gift of grace to those around us.

Prayer:

Father, thank you for the grace that you have shown us, despite all our flaws. Forgive us for all the times we have judged others. Teach us to show your grace to those we might struggle to love.