God Does Not Show Favoritism
Scripture Passage: Romans 2:1-11 (NASB)
Therefore you have no excuse, you foolish person, everyone of you who passes judgment; for in that matter in which you judge someone else, you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things. 2 And we know that the judgment of God rightly falls upon those who practice such things. 3 But do you suppose this, you foolish person who passes judgment on those who practice such things, and yet does them as well, that you will escape the judgment of God? 4 Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and restraint and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance? 5 But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, 6 who will repay each person according to his deeds: 7 to those who by perseverance in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality, He will give eternal life; 8 but to those who are self-serving and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, He will give wrath and indignation. 9 There will be tribulation and distress for every soul of mankind who does evil, for the Jew first and also for the Greek, 10 but glory, honor, and peace to everyone who does what is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 11 For there is no partiality with God.
SUMMARY
Apostle Paul points out that people who judge others commit the same sin themselves. As a mere man, if you judge others and commit the same sins, you will not escape judgement.
God has been patient and kind with you so you can repent but if you are unrepentant and stubborn, one day you will face judgment stored up by God.
People who have done good will receive eternal life from God while people who have done evil will receive wrath from God. There will be trouble and distress for every being that does evil and honor and peace to those who do good whether they are Jews or gentile because God does not play favoritism.
REFLECTION AND MEDITATION
“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.” (Romans 2:1) This verse pierces my heart, because every time I have judged others for their “sins”, I soon find myself committing the same sin, or remember having committed the same sin in the past. For example, I used to judge my friend for choosing to compete in marathons on Sunday instead of attending church. A few years later, I found myself doing the same thing after discovering the joy of running. I have judged people who are pursuing the comfort of suburban life in America instead of going overseas for missions, but I am also living a comfortable life in America instead of going on missions overseas.
Recently I was about to give up on sisters who did not seem to be interested in bible study but instead wanted to have fun. At first, I was judging them and then I realized if I wasn’t in the leadership position, I would be the same way. I had to really look into my heart and think about where I had gone wrong, Could I have communicated better? Or do I need to pray for them more? I really had to humble myself and know that I am not that much better. I really am merely a human being, subject to God’s wrath and mercy. So, I persisted in doing good by inviting them again to study the bible together and when we got together, we had such a great discussion we stayed up until late and we even prayed over a family member who is bed-ridden with long-term disability.
APPLICATION
I realized that with God, he doesn’t care about appearances, what ethnic background we have, Jews or Gentiles, the only thing God cares about is whether we are doing good or doing evil. We cannot fool God, because He knows what is in our hearts. I must confess that I pray to God more in the presence of others than in the prayer closet on my own. I had the appearance of doing good, and the appearance of having intimacy with God. This week, God really challenged me to spend time with Him when no one is looking. I want to spend more time with God in private and make repentance a daily routine.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for Your mercy and love. You have called us to walk in the spirit so there is no condemnation for us who follow Your way. I want to be humble like You, Lord. Help me to persist in doing good without judging others and without boasting. Lead me in the way of eternal life that leads to glory, honor, and peace. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
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