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? 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.
Romans 2:1-5
Paul points out a common condition of our fallen nature; we are more tolerant of our conduct than we are of the behavior of others. We can hardly stake a claim upon moral righteousness as we commit the same offenses as others. You might be thinking, “but I do not commit the terrible sins as many do.” Ok, but we all sin, and God does not categorize sin.
For the person who keeps all of the laws except one is as guilty as a person who has broken all of God’s laws.
James 2:10
“But did not Moses state, God is compassionate, slow to anger, and overflowing with grace?” He is all those things and much more. Yet, we must take great care not to manipulate the context of scripture to minimize our behavior. God’s infinite kindness is not a “get out of jail free card.” Instead, it is one of patience. It provides us with the blessing of being sensitive and remorseful of our sin, which leads to the glorious atonement of Christ and away from the wrath of God.
Comments