Prepare: Lord, help us be aware of Your kindness and forbearance.
Read: Romans 2:1-16
Without excuse: Paul is contending with an imaginary or representative person. We may surmise that his opponent in the argument maybe a Jew or a Gentile. Paul's argument is that the one who judges does not escape judgment himself or herself because the one who judges or criticizes others does the same things that he or she finds fault with others. Let us compare what Jesus said about judging others and trying to find a speck in someone else's eye while the critic has a plank in his eye. The arrogant person who judges others while turning a blind eye to his own fault is devoid of kindness, forbearance and patience. God is patient to allow even the critic to repent. Further, God the impartial judge, will repay according to each person's deeds: those who do good and those who do evil.
Judged by the law: Paul argues that the most important point is that we obey the moral law written in our hearts by our Creator God. Whatever standard God has given us, whether it be the revelation of God's laws given in the Mosaic Law or the moral law written on our hearts, God demands that we obey the revelation given to us. Jesus taught that we walk by the light that we have. When we fail to do that, we end up in darkness.
Respond: God of impartiality, make me fit to face Your judgment.
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