Monday June 28, 2021

Heavenly Father – help me start today with a clear heart and a clear mind ready to receive your word in a brand new way today. Amen.

Romans 2:1-11

God’s Righteous Judgment
You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. So when you, a mere human being, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment? Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?
But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God’s wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed. God “will repay each person according to what they have done.” To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor 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. There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile; but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For God does not show favoritism.

The beauty and mystery of God is why we continue to pursue him. He is the ultimate judge, filled with wrath and fury against the sin in the world, yet he waits patiently in loving kindness to let us repent on our own. He is kind, but he is not soft. God sees you and wants a personal relationship with you. You can’t divert his attention to others by pointing out their sin. That only sets you back. Instead, reflect on your own sins and humbly seek forgiveness. This way of living leads us to constant communion with the Holy Spirit. Sin separates us from God and that is why we are all dependent on Jesus for our salvation. Out of God’s grace, he made a way for us to have a restored relationship with him. In his kindness, he leads us to a radical life-change.

Spend some time today prayerfully considering:
How have I been judgmental toward others?
What do I need to confess and repent of today?

Lord, these are your words. This is our story. Help me live in a way that honors you today and everyday. Amen.