2 You may think you can condemn such people, but you are just as bad, and you have no excuse! When you say they are wicked and should be punished, you are condemning yourself, for you who judge others do these very same things. 2 And we know that God, in his justice, will punish anyone who does such things. 3 Since you judge others for doing these things, why do you think you can avoid God’s judgment when you do the same things? 4 Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?
5 But because you are stubborn and refuse to turn from your sin, you are storing up terrible punishment for yourself. For a day of anger is coming, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed. 6 He will judge everyone according to what they have done. 7 He will give eternal life to those who keep on doing good, seeking after the glory and honor and immortality that God offers. 8 But he will pour out his anger and wrath on those who live for themselves, who refuse to obey the truth and instead live lives of wickedness. 9 There will be trouble and calamity for everyone who keeps on doing what is evil—for the Jew first and also for the Gentile. 10 But there will be glory and honor and peace from God for all who do good—for the Jew first and also for the Gentile. 11 For God does not show favoritism.
Terrie's Comments:
This passage makes me want to take back every remotely judgmental thing I have ever said or thought about anyone. In the same breath however this passage also gives me hope that NO ONE IS TOO FAR AWAY FROM GOD TO BE SAVED. God does not show favoritism! For anyone who turns to God there will be glory and honor and peace from God.
I think the previous two days of reading provide us with a warning to not be foolish. Be careful to not exchange God's truth for a lie. Worship God alone and now finally to not judge anyone and thereby condemn yourself because you have been rescued only by God's mercy and grace. God has His arms open to accept everyone who is willing to acknowledge Jesus as Lord of their life and live by faith in His word alone.
Tori's Comments:
WHOAAA.
Just let me recover for a minute, because that was a big plot twist. I did not see that coming.
One minute I thought we were condemning people, and the next we are told to stop condemning.
Was he trying to trick us? Because it feels like it.
(Vs.4) So our kindness should turn others from their sin? I guess this makes sense for people who have been cast out of 'good society' and are in need of love. And considering how many times I mess up, I am not really in a position to condemn anyone.
Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
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Please keep all comments respectful. We want to remember that each of us is at a different place in our walk with God. This is a place for us to share openly about what has been revealed to us as we open up Gods word and to learn from others. Please take every opportunity possible to build each other up in love :-)