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My Critical Spirit and God’s Unlimited Kindness

     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? Rom. 2:1-4 (NIV)

Heavenly Father, this Scripture makes me feel both “busted” and beloved, this morning. Meditating on this passage has helped me realize that I’m way too selective about whom I love and when I love. I’m not an equal opportunity dispenser of your mercy and compassion.

Father, I’m quick to shower the riches of your “kindness, forbearance, and patience” on people whose brokenness, struggles, and issues are similar to mine. But I can be condescending and judgmental toward people whose weaknesses inconvenience, annoy, or offend me. This pattern has gotten “ramped up” during this political year. Forgive and free me, Father. This attitude blatantly contradicts the gospel.

It’s your kindness that leads me to repent today. I own my political-persuasion, theological-family, life-choice orientation, and personality-profile arrogance. I’m a mess, Lord, in need of a bigger and freer heart, more accepting and more welcoming heart. Truly, I want to love others as Jesus loves me, period.

Jesus, you took the judgment I deserve on the cross—the fullness of God’s righteous wrath toward my sin; and now you love me with the fullness of compassion, acceptance, and delight. The greatest non sequitur in life happens when I withhold the same from others—no matter who they are.  Deepen my repentance and deepen my compassion for fellow broken image-bearers of God. So very Amen I pray, in your righteous and loving name.

 

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