April 25 – Romans 2:1-4
You may think you can condemn such people, but you are just as bad, and you have no excuse! When you say they are wicked and should be punished, you are condemning yourself, for you who judge others do these very same things. And we know that God, in His justice, will punish anyone who does such things...
Don't you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can't you see that His kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?
How convicting these verses are for one who struggles with pride, coupled with a strong sense of justice! For as long as I can remember, I have had very little patience for rebellion. When I see other people intentionally making choices that more or less shake a fist in the face of God, it just burns me up! I want to be able to "make" them do the right thing.
But then I come across passages like this, and I am brought to my knees! In the eyes of my Lord, I am just as prone to wander as the vilest sinner. I make choices that, though they may be subtler, shake my fist in the face as God as well. Who do I think I am to cast judgement on others when I'm a sinner too? Why can't I appreciate that God is being patient with them, as He was ever so patient with me? Why can't I trust that His patience is good, and is intended to bring them to repentance, just as it did me?
Dear sisters, may we recognize our own tendency toward waywardness, and rejoice in the compassionate patience of our Lord! May we praise Him day in and day out that He waited on us, redeemed us, and is making us new! What a privilege it is to be His dearly loved daughters! May we strive to be like our Good Father, and be patient with others, seeking above all else, not to see them punished, but to have the great joy of seeing them repent! And when they do, may we be like our Lord and forgive. Quickly, and wholly!
*Did you know you can receive a beautiful image on Instagram, Twitter, or in your Facebook news-feed each day to go along with the Hope For Today verse of the day? (Check out today’s image in the sidebar under “Verse of the Day”)
Just like and follow the page in this link: HOPE FOR TODAY FACEBOOK PAGE or, follow me on Twitter or Instagram.
**If you enjoy this devotional, share it with your friends! Click the “P” on the image to the right and save it to Pinterest, or share it to Facebook, Twitter, or other social media platforms using the share buttons below.
***Come back tomorrow for a new passage, a new verse image, and a new encouragement.
****Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
