28 November ROMANS 2

Don’t point fingers at others Romans 2:1-4(MSG) Those people are on a dark spiral downward. But if you think that leaves you on the high ground where you can point your finger at others, think again. Every time you criticize someone, you condemn yourself. It takes one to know one. Judgmental criticism of others is a well-known way of escaping detection in your own crimes and misdemeanors. But God isn’t so easily diverted. He sees right through all such smoke screens and holds you to what you’ve done. You didn’t think, did you, that just by pointing your finger at others you would distract God from seeing all your misdoings and from coming down on you hard? Or did you think that because he’s such a nice God, he’d let you off the hook? Better think this one through from the beginning. God is kind, but he’s not soft. In kindness he takes us firmly by the hand and leads us into a radical life-change.

Titus 3:2(AMP) to slander or abuse no one, to be kind and conciliatory and gentle, showing unqualified consideration and courtesy toward everyone.

Matthew 7:1-2(AMP) Do not judge and criticize and condemn , so that you will not be judged . For just as you judge others , so will you be judged; and in accordance with your standard of measure , judgment will be measured to you.

“Any fool can criticize, complain, and condemn—and most fools do. But it takes character and self-control to be understanding and forgiving.” -Dale Carnegie

“Before you condemn someone else for a wrongful act, check your behaviour and see if you too, have committed an act similar or even worse than the act that person has done. Then you won’t be in a position to judge.” -Ellen J. Barrier

The main issue here is that we should evaluate ourselves as accurately as we see others. We will recognise our own sinfulness and need for God’s mercy. We will have no reason to consider ourselves better than others. Still, we will follow Paul’s teaching: Philippians 2:3(ESV) Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.

While we are to avoid self-righteousness and judgmental attitudes toward others, the Bible doesn’t say that we are never to correct others. We should use discernment when correcting others with Scripture, to build one another up in love.

Galatians 6:1(AMP) Brothers, if anyone is caught in any sin, you who are spiritual are to restore such a person in a spirit of gentleness , keeping a watchful eye on yourself, so that you are not tempted as well.

James 5:19-20(AMP) My brothers and sisters, if anyone among you strays from the truth and falls into error and one turns him back , let the one know that the one who has turned a sinner from the error of his way will save that one’s soul from death and cover a multitude of sins .

Remember that correcting one another should always be done with love and care, and with the goal of helping the other person grow and improve, rather than tearing them down or judging them harshly.