Day 5 – Judging or Speaking the Truth in Love? – Julie Earl
Romans 2:1-4
I’ve heard people criticize Christians for lovingly speaking the truth and telling folks that sin is wrong and harmful to them and others–sins such as homosexuality (see my post on homosexuality), sex outside of marriage, lying, cheating and killing unborn babies. These people take certain verses from the Bible, such as those in Romans 2:1-4, out of context. They tell Christians it is wrong to tell people they are wrong. (But didn’t they just do the very thing they are condemning when they made that statement?)
Romans 2:1-4 (NIV) says, “You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. So when you, a mere man, 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, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you toward repentance?”
Verses 1-3 are talking about people who are hypocritical. They attack others openly while secretly engaging in the same sins.
Verse 4 is referring to self-righteous people with critical spirits who may not be involved in the same sins, but they show contempt (disregard and disrespect) for God’s love and patience, and the way He constantly reaches out in kindness to show people that they can trust Him with their lives. (It is with this same kindness that believers in Jesus should express God’s love and forgiveness to the world–not with criticism and rudeness.)
So should we be judgmental, hypocritical and harsh? Absolutely not!
But…we do need to speak the truth in love as it says in Ephesians 4:15. When people know the truth, the truth sets them free (John 8:32). When they say yes to God’s truth, forgiveness and love, they are freed from the hold of sin, and have the delight of walking through life in God’s wisdom and love!
Julie’s Note: I hope you’re enjoying spending three days in each chapter of Romans. I know I am! Again, please feel free to share the insights you are gaining as you read and/or study the book of Romans with me!
Many blessings,
Julie Earl with Crazy About You Ministries (CAYM)