May 4, 2009
SCRIPTURE: Romans 2
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
Paul exposes the judgmental person, showing that they need God’s mercy as much as everyone else. God is patient with us, and He is patient with others – so that they can repent. We also need to be patient with others. The day is coming when we will stand before the true Judge, and He will show our hearts for what they really are, not just our religious façade.

Jesus warns us against judging others: “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” [Matthew 7:1-2]. This verse is sometimes used by the guilty to protect themselves from facing their sin. This verse does not mean that we should not discern truth from error, right from wrong. What both Jesus and Paul are warning against is focusing on the sins of others, instead of our own sin. But will make the final judgment, not us. We will stand before Him, not before each other.

For Jesus, sin is a matter of the heart – if I have never committed adultery with another woman, and am critical of those who have, God points to the impure thoughts of my heart and says I am just as guilty of sexual sin. If I am not merciful to others who sin, why should I expect God to be merciful to me? Paul echoes this, saying that external purity or piety means nothing unless it is an expression of inward purity and piety (a circumcised heart).

So now, what do I see when I look at my heart? Am I sorry for sin, do I hate it, do I strive with God’s help to change it? Do I sincerely love the Lord, am I seriously grateful for His mercy to me? Do I see others as needing mercy and kindness, just like me? God knows what is going on inside of me, He knows where my heart is leaning. “To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honour and immortality, he will give eternal life. But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger.” [Romans 2:7-8]

But aren’t we saved by grace? How then can Paul say that God “will give to each person according to what he has done” [Romans 2:6]? What we do is the fruit of what lives in our heart. A humble heart, dependent on God for mercy, knowing that we are saved by grace, eager to respond to God with love and gratitude, will strive to live a God-pleasing life. Not in order to be saved (we already are), but because we are saved! God looks at what we do to see what lives in our hearts. What do my actions reveal about my heart?

PRAYER:
Lord, forgive me for being judgmental of others, and forgetting that I need Your mercy just as much as everyone else!