Saturday, October 6- Pamela

Today's passage from the Chronological Bible In a Year Reading Plan is John 2-4

Today's scripture focus is Romans 2:1-4

You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. ² Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. ³ So when you, a mere man, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment? ⁴ Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you toward repentance?

We have "no excuse" to judge others. Yet, how often do I find myself guilty of it? . . . .all. the. time. We are all sinners, all unworthy, all in need of God's grace. He is the only one who has the right to judge us for our actions. I found this commentary and enjoyed all of the stories that he weaves into it. The Pastor at my church using a similar teaching style and the stories about making assumptions on how people look, snoring, and forgetting things really help clarify to me how we are so quick to judge others and so slow to realize how we are guilty of the same things we accuse others of. Brian Bill explains clearly why God is the only one who can judge us:

God judges justly on the basis of what really exists, not what merely appears to be. He sees all the facts, the multiple motives, each action and every attitude. It was F. B. Meyer who said that when we see a brother or sister in sin, there are two things we do not know: First, we do not know how hard he or she tried not to sin. And second, we do not know the power of the forces that assailed him or her. We also do not know what we would have done in the same circumstances.

Why are we so critical and caustic with others? Think of it this way. Every time we are judgmental toward another person, we are in essence displaying our distrust or lack of faith in God to take care of His kingdom. Remember that He is God and we are not. And when He passes judgment, we have no basis to object or ask for a retrial. Psalm 96:10: “Say among the nations, ‘The LORD reigns.’ The world is firmly established, it cannot be moved; he will judge the peoples with equity” and verse 13:“…He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples in his truth.” Here’s a news flash: God doesn’t need any help in judging others.

Even though we know God is the only just judge, it is so hard to avoid judging others. Judging others makes us feel better about out own inadequacies. We call tell ourselves "Well, at least I'm not as bad as _________ because I don't ____________". When we acknowledge our reasons for passing judgement on others it becomes painfully clear why God can be the only judge. Our motives for judging are to lessen our own guilt for the things in our lives - to make us feel better about our choices and our actions. God's motives for judging are to drive us to repentance.

Our judgmental attitudes are ultimately destructive while God’s judgment is meant to be constructive. The purpose behind God’s condemnation and His kindness is redemptive: He is waiting for us to repent…before it’s too late. (again from here)

So what can we do? Brian Bill suggests these steps of action:

1. Stop judging. How many times a day do you talk about other people and look down your nose at them? Do you disdain people who sin differently than you do? Stop it. Instead of judging, realize that when you judge, you come under judgment. Remember that others are on a journey, just like you are.

2. Change your pronouns. Stop using “them” and “they;” and “he” or “she.” If we want to grow in this area, we must personalize the problem because it really involves three people: me, myself and I. Too many of us talk about ourselves only when we’re bragging. Here’s an idea. Brag on others instead of blasting them; when you talk about yourself, mention something you’ve done wrong. It will keep you humble. Plus, you’ll be much easier to be around.

3. Give God is job back. Ask the Lord to help you be perfectly content to allow Him to judge people instead of trying to do his job for Him.

4. Be positive. When you catch yourself talking negatively about someone else, immediately say something positive. And, when you hear someone else judging or gossiping, insert a constructive comment into the conversation.

5. Get to know God. Start viewing God as kind, tolerant and patient and strive to be so yourself. In addition, see Him as holy, faithful, just, sovereign, and all-powerful. For further study on this topic, see the sermon series called “Getting to Know God” from 2000 by clicking here:www.pontiacbible.org.

6. Respond with repentance. Allow God’s kindness to lead you to repentance. What do you need to turn from right now? Don’t be like Felix who said to Paul in Acts 24:25: “When I find it convenient, I will send for you.” It’s dangerous to wait and it’s foolish to presume upon God’s patience because it will not last forever. We see this in Acts 17:30: “In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.”

Tomorrow's scripture focus: Romans 2:5-11

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage passage: Mark 2