Romans 2 - 10.9.24
Scripture
Romans 2:1-4 You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, 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 human being, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment? Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?
Observation
Paul warns the Romans to be careful not to judge others.
Application
It’s easy to think that God doesn’t speak to me because I don’t hear an audible or voice or have dreams. But I know he does speak to me in other ways, like confirmation. On Sunday, Pastor Levi shared from Matthew 7:3-5:
“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.
And the very next day, preparing this SOAP Journal, I read the exact same thing. Obviously, God is trying to teach me something and I need to listen.
I believe God is telling me that I need to closely focus on my walk with him. I need to ask him to search my heart and reveal areas of sin. I need to give up pride, thinking that I am right or I know better than others. And I need to bring my concerns to him.
Phillipians 2:12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;
Psalm 139:23-24
Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.
Prayer
Thank you God for being persistent in your message to me. Thank you that you do speak to me if I will only listen. Forgive me for my pride and judgement of others. Help me to pray for others and love them as you do.
- Debbie Dunn
