Hope in God's Promises

God Instructs the People of God

Listening for God in Changing Times:

Walk in God's Path

Romans 2:1-8

The Message

God Is Kind, but Not Soft

 ^1-2 Those people are on a dark spiral downward. But if you think that leaves you on the high ground where you can point your finger at others, think again. Every time you criticize someone, you condemn yourself. It takes one to know one. Judgmental criticism of others is a well-known way of escaping detection in your own crimes and misdemeanors. But God isn't so easily diverted. He sees right through all such smoke screens and holds you to what you've done. ^3-4You didn't think, did you, that just by pointing your finger at others you would distract God from seeing all your misdoings and from coming down on you hard? Or did you think that because he's such a nice God, he'd let you off the hook? Better think this one through from the beginning. God is kind, but he's not soft. In kindness he takes us firmly by the hand and leads us into a radical life-change.
 ^5-8You're not getting by with anything. Every refusal and avoidance of God adds fuel to the fire. The day is coming when it's going to blaze hot and high, God's fiery and righteous judgment. Make no mistake: In the end you get what's coming to you—Real Life for those who work on God's side, but to those who insist on getting their own way and take the path of least resistance, Fire!

For Reflection
When you criticize someone to another how do you feel? Do you want to slap your own face because of your folly?  Or do you continue, hoping the other person will enjoy mutual entertainment at another's expense.  If you can't say anything nice why say anything at all.  What is it about you that motivates speaking ill of others?

Pray
for a realization of the radical life change that God promises.  Pray to have the control which allows you to hold your tongue.  Pray for forgiveness for giving in to your impulse to speak ill of others.