“Therefore, you are without excuse, every one of you who passes judgment. For by the standard by which you judge another you condemn yourself, since you, the judge, do the very same things. We know that the judgment of God on those who do such things is true. Do you suppose, then, you who judge those who engage in such things and yet do them yourself, that you will escape the judgment of God? Or do you hold his priceless kindness, forbearance, and patience in low esteem, unaware that the kindness of God would lead you to repentance? By your stubbornness and impenitent heart, you are storing up wrath for yourself for the day of wrath and revelation of the just judgment of God, who will repay everyone according to his works: eternal life to those who seek glory, honor, and immortality through perseverance in good works, but wrath and fury to those who selfishly disobey the truth and obey wickedness. Yes, affliction and distress will come upon every human being who does evil, Jew first and then Greek. But there will be glory, honor, and peace for everyone who does good, Jew first and then Greek. There is no partiality with God (Rom. 2:1-11).”
St. Paul in his letter to the Christians in Rome wrote that no one should judge others because everyone, Jew or Gentile, is a sinner and subject to God’s condemnation. They will therefore be judged by the same standard with which they judge. God is not quick to punish sinners so this should lead to the sinner’s repentance. But contempt for God’s kindness, forbearance, and patience will lead to God’s just judgment. He will judge Jews according to the Law and gentiles according to the natural law which is written on their hearts. Everyone will be repaid according to his/her deeds. We are justified by faith which can lead to eternal life, but our works must reflect our faith otherwise we condemn ourselves. Paul borrows from the OT belief that affliction and distress will afflict all who do evil, without exception. The Jews experienced a special relationship with God because they were chosen to reveal His presence to mankind, but God treats everyone equally. We will be judged first when we die and then at the second coming of Christ.
Almighty God, we are blind to our sins but are quick to see the faults in others. Help us to live by the moral law which is written on our hearts and by Gospel which explains the moral law. Open our eyes to the truth about ourselves and give us the strength to change so that we may become sons of God by deed as well as adoption. This we pray through Christ our Lord. Amen!
References:
Raymond E. Brown, Joseph A. Fitzmyer, & Roland E. Murphy, (Eds.). (1990, 1968). The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey: Prentis Hall, Inc.
Jose M. Casciaro, Santiago Ausin, Gonzalo Aranda, Claudio Basevi, Vincente Balaguer, Francisco Varo, James Gavigan, Brian McCarthy & Thomas McGovern (Eds.). (2017). The Navarre Bible - New Testament. Dublin 8, Ireland: Four Courts Press.
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