On Passing Judgment You Condemn Yourself

This meditation is based on a passage for March 23, 2011 in the Daily Lectionary Year 1 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).

Text: Romans 1:17-2:11

Reflection and Question: For Paul, the consequence of worshipping idols rather than worshipping God is to fall into degrading passions and “every kind of malice and wickedness.” The examples that Paul gives suck his Jewish listeners in. So much so, that Paul perceives that his listeners are committing the sin of judgment and he flips it back to the listeners by declaring, “You, the judge, are doing the very same things.” The heart of the matter is that when it comes to the worship of images, both Gentile and Jew are guilty. Moreover, just like Gentiles for Paul, back then, the lives of lesbian, gay bisexual and transgender people who worship God reflect God’s kindness, honor and peace today. Who are you judging so that you condemn yourself before God?

Prayer: Great God, we desire Your kindness, forbearance and patience. We repent of all judgment that belongs solely to You. And we repent of all actions that fall short of Your glory and honor. Stay our minds on You through Christ, we pray. Amen.