Patience leading somewhere

Romans 2:1-4 - "Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things. 2 But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things. 3 And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things, and doing the same, that you will escape the judgment of God? 4 Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?"

As we seek the wisdom to discern good from evil and judge accordingly, God preserve us from presumptuous hypocrisy, from committing the very sins we condemn. We do this in all kinds of subtle ways. We condemn an over-sexualized culture, while privately struggling with lust. We hold family members to a stricter standard than ourselves. We condemn the sins that our politics point out, like the theft of inflation or wealth redistribution, but embrace other sins like envy, or loving money.

God is patient with us, and that patience has a purpose. He isn’t being lenient and lax in dealing with our sin, but is giving us a chance to repent. You have it now. Take it.

8/30/09