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. Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. 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? 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? Rom. 2:1-4 (NIV)
Heavenly Father, this Scripture makes me feel both “busted” and beloved. Meditating on this passage has helped me realize that I’m way too selective about whom I love, when I love, and how I love. I’m not an equal opportunity dispenser of your mercy and compassion.
I’m quick to shower the riches of your “kindness, forbearance, and patience” on people whose brokenness and struggles, issues and “tribe” are similar to mine. But I can be condescending, hair-trigger-judgmental, and withdrawn towards people whose weaknesses, looks, or attitude annoy or offend me. This pattern has gotten “ramped up” during our current political morass. Forgive and free me, Father.
It’s your kindness that leads me to repent today, and every day. I own my theological-nuanced, political-biased, life-choice orientation, and personality-preference arrogance. I’m a mess, Lord, in need of a bigger and freer heart. I want to be more accepting and more welcoming, and less suspicious. I want to love others as Jesus loves me, period.
Jesus, took the judgment I deserve on the cross, and you hid my life in his. And now you love me with the fullness of compassion, acceptance, and delight. The greatest non sequitur in life happens when I withhold the same mercy and grace from others. Being careful is one thing, being caustic quite another. Deepen my repentance and deepen my compassion for fellow broken image-bearers of God. So very Amen I pray, in your righteous and loving name.