Head: Know God's Word | Heart: Love God | Hands: Follow God's Way

Read: Romans 2:1-4

Head

Is it okay to look down on someone for something that you also do yourself? Paul says in Romans 2 that in the same way we judge others, we will also be judged. He says when we judge others for things we also do, we will not escape God’s judgment. Wow! That makes me not want to judge others. Paul says we have no excuse when it comes to knowing about God and what he expects of us (Romans 1:20). He also says in chapter 2 that we have no excuse when it comes to passing judgment on people. We should know that God is the only one worthy to judge people because only God is the Creator, and He judges based on truth. Our focus should be on what God thinks about us and what He is calling us to do. God is rich in kindness, tolerance, and patience. It’s His kindness that leads us to repentance.

Heart

I’ve been guilty of judging other people. My best friend in high school wore her hair straight instead of curly one day, and I asked her in a snide way, “Why is your hair like that?” I know it hurt her feelings. I was judging her based on her change of hairstyle. That wasn’t right. I’ve also judged others when I see their social media posts, thinking negative things about them when really I’m just jealous. There are several reasons why we jump to judging others. Most of the time, it’s because of our own insecurities. When I’m focused on who God is, who he says I am, and what he wants to do in my life, I am not tempted to judge others. I can then offer more kindness, tolerance, and patience with people.

Hands

Write down three things you know to be true about the character of God. Then write down three things God says are true about you. Next, think of a time when you’ve judged someone else. Ask God to forgive you, and ask God if you need to go to that person and ask them for forgiveness.

Prayer: Dear God, thank You for Your kindness that leads me to repent. Thank You for being patient with me. I ask for Your forgiveness and for Your help to make decisions that honor You. I want to live in a way that honors You. I want to show others Your love in the way that I treat them.