Romans 2:1-4 (New International Version, ©2011) www.biblegateway.org
Romans 2
God’s Righteous Judgment
1 You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. 2 Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. 3 So when you, a mere human being, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment? 4 Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?You know, it is amazing how boundless it is to receive grace from God, however, when it comes to extending grace to someone we can be.... how shall I say it... stingy. You know I look at people like that (myself included) and kind of laugh. Just as in the parable of the servant that could not pay a debt that he owed, then turned around and practically choked his fellow servant to death for a few dollars he owed!!! (Matthew 18:23-35)
You know, I say this, but the funny thing is sometimes when we call ourselves "holding someone accountable" we do the same thing!!! Instead of demonstrating and walking forgiveness out in front of others, we tend to "I'm not going to deal with you until you 'pay what you owe', then after that I will embrace you...." Walking in forgiveness is essential whether it is the person that is offended or someone that is close the the person that is offended. God forgives us immediately because of the blood of Jesus!!! How much more are we (am I) to forgive someone else? What better way to show someone a picture of how it looks than to walk it out. There is a time reason, and season for bringing it to the light as Ecclesiastics 3 says. The Apostle Paul also said, 1 Corinthians 11:1 states very clearly, "Follow my example as I follow the example of Christ."
In closing, when we are in a situation that is directly touching us whether it is concerning us, or someone we love. let's as ourselves, "Are we following the example the Jesus Christ Himself set for us... really, on all aspects... are we?"
Maranatha!!!
Pam
