On Judging Others – Romans 2:1

On Judging Others

Romans 1 ends with a sad statement on the state of the world. Paul recounts the fall of mankind and how terrible the world was at that time. Romans 2:1 begins a challenge to God’s people. The verse says: “Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things.” Romans 2:1 (ESV)

Some translations don’t have the “O man” but it’s definitely there in the Greek. Paul repeats the same phrase in verse 3. I wonder if it’s not a reminder that we’re just like the others. The verse reminds us that we’re guilty of the same things we judge in others. Do we look down on people who practice sins we have been given some victory over? But if we still sin, if we miss God’s mark for us, aren’t we doing the same thing?

None of us will achieve our potential. We challenge ourselves and tell ourselves we’re doing right. We remind ourselves that Jesus loves us. But we can never compare ourselves except to say we’re worthy of the same problems, the same fates. All the more reason for us to appreciate others.

Our only value comes from the fact that Jesus died to pay for our selfish desire to live our own life under our own direction. Rather than comparing and practicing the same things, let’s remember where we were and appreciate and serve others today. Avoid judging as this passage reminds us and serve others.

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