Romans 2:1-16
Archbishop Beach has a daily devotional, “A Word from the Lord” (https://awftl.podbean.com/). In today’s devotional he quotes from our reading today! It’s worth reading, but I’m not going to repeat it here. I’d rather you read it yourself! However, one point that he does make… “You can become cocky and arrogant in your spiritual life – “I am a Christian; God has done this for me.” You can rest on your perceived laurels; but these perceptions, of personal goodness and righteousness, can lead you quickly to a need for your penitence”. David has mentioned “divine echoes” a few times – when you hear “a word” a few times within a couple of hours. Maybe…??!!
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. (v. 1) All too often I have been far too judgmental in my life. An incident… It was a Sunday morning sermon back in Texas. Our pastor had just said that our worst trait is our best trait taken to the wrong extreme. I immediately thought, “I’m a teacher and I’m very critical of others.” Then he said, “For example, if you are a teacher you are probably critical of others.” WHAM!! He then explained what he meant and why it was so. He got my attention and I’ve been careful since that day in trying not to be too critical or judgmental. Let’s all be careful in what we say, folks.
Slava Bohu!
I agree Fred about Ab Beach’s podcast. I had been really struck with v. 1. I can only speak out against someone else’s sin if I can do so in humility, acknowledging my own sins. It was a relief to start hearing this tone from Paul.