Wednesday, May 14, 2025

My issues...do I have issues?

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. Since you judge others for doing these things, why do you think you can avoid God’s judgment when you do the same 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? (Romans 2:1-4)

Too many times, we judge others for exactly the same things we do, say, or feel. It isn't that we don't know these things are wrong and that we shouldn't be engaging in those things ourselves, it is that we can see them best in others! Remember, the eyes focus outward - they don't look inward. We need some 'inward inspection' to point out that we are engaging in similar behavior. I suppose this is why God gave us his Holy Spirit to reside within each of us - so we could have that 'inward inspection' performed by someone who has our genuine best interests in mind.

They are wicked, but you are not without blame. They are probably doing things wrong, but so are you. You cannot 'judge' another, though. That is God's job and his alone. All we can do is pray for each other, holding each other up where we are weak, and live good examples that others can follow. God is kind toward each of us - not quick to judge or punish. He is not tolerant of our sin, but of our need to come to an end of our silliness and folly. He is patient with us because he knows some of us take just a bit longer to 'come around' to seeing our need for his grace and forgiveness than others of us might be at times.

The danger in always pointing out another's 'sinfulness' to them is that we are opening ourselves up for judgment ourselves. It may not come from others, but it will come from God. We need to understand that Christ's gift of grace is available for all mankind - even those we judge the harshest! We are asked to remain focused on what we don't see in ourselves - through the power of the Holy Spirit who resides within. This is all we can 'own' - it is all we are asked to 'own'. God's purpose is that we will each respond to his promptings to allow a 'clean up' of our own issues. Then we can be examples of his grace, kindness, and 'tolerance' to those around us. Just sayin!