Tuesday, March 20, 2012

You are really judging yourself when you judge others



Therefore you have no excuse, whoever you are, when you judge another; for in passing judgment upon him you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, are doing the very same things. Rom 2:1

In the second half of Romans 1, Paul talks about various acts of unrighteousness and ungodliness that have been committed by mankind, including wickedness, greed, evil, envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice, gossips slander, arrogance, boastfulness, etc.

Unfortunately, many people have used Paul's words here to point fingers at *others* and to judge and condemn others. But that's not why Paul wrote those words. In fact, his reason was exactly the opposite. He wrote them to show how we're all in the same boat - "ALL have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God" - and therefore we ALL need the same Savior.

When we point the finger at others, we're really only pointing the finger at ourselves, because we're all equally as guilty. Fortunately we can all come freely to God and receive His forgiveness and life, by His grace, through faith.

4 comments:

  1. Joel,

    When we point at others we have three fingers pointing back at us.

    I think that says a lot about the one pointing!

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  2. Hey Joel, and I think this is not only used in the way you have described. It is also used to get away with things, like taking advantage of grace. truly the only ones' that know are that ones Spirit and God. There have been many people acting out their salvation, and have hurt others in the process. robbing them, etc through gaining the others trust through presenting themselves as good little shp. For the devil comes as an angel of light, and might even fool the very elect. We as Christians are to be wise as a serphant and harmless as a dove, for God knows what is in men, thanks Howard

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  3. Good to hear from you Aussie John! And yes indeed, about the finger pointing. The exposed finger that is pointing at someone else, and the three hidden fingers pointing back at ourselves represent how we are quick to point out the wrongs of others and yet so easily hide our own wrongs.

    Howard, it's true that people can use grace in the wrong way, which isn't really grace, but is disgrace. I think the response to those who act in disgrace is to preach and live in pure grace all the more, as it is grace that teaches us and empowers us to walk in the glory and honor with which God has crowned us. :)

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  4. Brother, thanks excellent answer. Yes grace empowers the believer to do what the truth demands. For it is no longer of self. Flesh and blood did not tell you this or me or any of the believers, Thank God for God, it is by his mercy from the begining, he clothed Adam and Eve, had mercy from the day of the fall of mankind. This has not changed ever.

    And I want to Say, I understand about finger pointing and not to, for God has received him, her, them, to their own master they, those,that one, will come to stand, For God is able to get them to stand, to their own master we stand or fall, and it is God that gets us to stand, by his righteousness once we know we have none of our own.
    I am reminded through a messenger of Satan to buffet me, to keep me humble understanding that it is his grace that is sufficient for me as it was for Paul in his weakness God's strength is made perfect.
    Howard

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