Devotional - July 14, 2004

Judgment is something that invokes fear in some and revenge in others. When Paul wrote his letter to the Christians in Rome, he was very clear about the error of those who continually condemned the lost. He noted the vindictive attitude they showed toward others actually condemned them in the process.

Paul charted the stubbornness and unrepentant attitude in most Jews. He pointed out the error of those who thought "legal" compliance would somehow save them. Paul was quick to point out the fallacy of such an argument, saying every person will be judged, some to eternal judgment for not knowing what to do and others to chastisement for knowing what to do but not doing it.

It seems we the church have shown the tendency to continue the hypocrisy of the Jews to whom Paul was speaking. You may not be a Jew, but if you're ignoring God's word while criticizing someone else who doesn't believe it, you're no better than they were. In fact, God condemns us more than them because we know what to do and ignore it while they don't know what to do and don't do it.

The apostle Peter said it's time for judgment to begin with the house of God (1 Pet 4:17-18) In that spirit, I pray we who have received God's forgiveness for our own sin, will find a way forgive those who have yet to know God's forgiveness. After all, if judgment begins with us, maybe it should end with us too as we refuse to condemn others.

1 Developed from Read the Bible Thru ( 1 Ch. 16:37-18:17 Rm. 2:1-23 Ps. 10:16-18 Pr. 19:8-9 )
2. Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society