You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. So when you, a mere man, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment? Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you toward repentance? Romans 2:1-4
Heavenly Father, it’s a good thing we begin each day with the promise of your steadfast love and new mercies, because this Scripture just reminded me how much I will need the gospel today. The call to love others as Jesus loves me humbles me like nothing else. Hear my cry for mercy and grace.
As I meditate on this passage I’m convicted about being way too selective in my love for other sinners. I’m a selective lover, Father. I’m not an equal opportunity dispenser of your compassion and grace.
It’s not difficult for me to shower the riches of your kindness, tolerance and patience on people whose sins and struggles are like mine. But I’m often self-righteous and judgmental towards people who deal with temptations different than mine. Though understandable, it’s not excusable. Have mercy on me, Father, for the extending of your mercy through me. I’m the “mere man” Paul wrote about in this passage. No one has appointed me to be judge and jury of anyone.
May your great kindness lead me repent quicker and deeper of my sins. Help me grieve and deal with my heterosexual lust to a greater degree than I’m vexed about friends who struggle with homosexual temptations and entanglements. Help me to be more offended when I become a
serial killer on the inside, than annoyed by the loud gossip and rants of others. May I be more concerned about my prayer-less unbelief than I’m critical of other people’s lack of discipline and Biblical knowledge. Father, these are just a few things that come to mind. I know there’s more… many more.
Lord Jesus, you willingly took the judgment I deserve on the cross—the fullness of God’s righteous wrath. And now you love us with the fullness of compassion, acceptance and delight. The greatest non-sequitur in life is for me to show contempt for the riches of God’s “kindness, tolerance and patience,” which I have in you. Deepen my repentance and deepen my compassion for fellow broken sinners. Change me, because I cannot change myself. So very Amen, I pray, in your righteous and loving name.
