Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things. We know that the judgment of God rightly falls on those who practice such things. Do you suppose, O man—you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself—that you will escape the judgment of God? Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? (Romans 2:1–4)I’ve said it. I’ve thought it. I’ve sometimes noticed it is true — for others, but not often for myself. Our small group study is going to look at Romans 2 tonight and in preparing for it, I note the first four questions asked are about the above passage. God is telling me to give this much more consideration than usual.
For instance, think about the people or actions those people do that annoy me. God suggests that I do the same things? Actually, that makes sense. How would I even be aware of these annoying things if I didn’t recognize them when I look in the mirror? And if I made a list, would it take up far many pages than I’d like to admit? Another thought: if I’m seeing my sin in others, this could be part of the reason Jesus isn’t focusing on my sin (that’s the Holy Spirit’s job) because He is not guilty of the same sin!
In the past year, I have met some Christians who talk (and laugh) more about their mistakes than their accomplishments. They hardly speak of successes and when they do, credit is never taken. Instead, they thank others and God for whatever worked out goodness in their own lives often the mistakes. These people are wonderful to be around. No judging in their conversations. If they have any bad habits, I don’t see them which is a relief because if I did, this passage from Romans says I only see it because I do the same things. It is good to associate with those who are humble.
This reminds me of yesterday’s post about a person who has lied to herself. I’ve wondered if this is a constant issue, or is God telling me that I’m frustrated because I am also slow or reluctant to admit my own mistakes? I know when I err in minor chores or in sewing a quilt, I often say, “Oh, you dummy” and yet that is about as far as it goes. My new friends would say that about their mistakes and then laugh. They have learned from God what Paul learned after he asked God to remove a problem . . . .
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:9–10)I tend to keep wanting the problem removed instead of glorying in the weakness it displays. I might even point my finger at someone with a stronger problem so mine doesn’t get noticed. This is why God says not to assume that I will escape God's correction (a form of judgment) for in His rich kindness and forbearance and patience He intends to lead me to repentance. He wants all my finger pointing done in front of a mirror.
PRAY: Father, I feel the sting of being so proud of me without realizing how that produces behaviors that are nothing to be proud about. I can make excuses, even call myself a dummy, but that kind of talk is not the same as repentance. You now remind me that my own father disciplined me for a short time, but always for my good, and You do the same that I may share Your holiness. Yes, for now it seems painful rather than pleasant, but You promise that this means later it will yield the peaceful fruit of righteousness when I have been trained by it. (Hebrews 12:10–11) For this I am thankful.
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