So much of Paul’s teaching was about relationships and in particular our relationship with God. This second chapter of his letter to the Romans is no different. We often try to justify our behaviour comparing ourselves to others who are, in our personal estimation, worse than we are. We can be very quick to pass judgement on others when we’re not quite so quick to look deeply into the mirror to examine ourselves. Paul saw the hypocrisy that clings to so many of us and he wasn’t afraid to call people out on it. He echoes the teaching that Jesus gave on the same subject – God sees what’s in your heart and it is on that we will be judged. (See Luke 16:15).

The problem with hypocrisy is that it makes us complacent. We are fooled into thinking that ‘we’re all right’ and that it’s everyone else who needs to be worried. Often when we seem to be getting away with things it doesn’t mean that it’s okay because we will still be judged for it when the time comes. Those thoughts are a slippery slope to oblivion against which we must be on our guard.

In God’s eyes sin is sin, bad is just bad. There are no degrees to it, no scale against which it is to be measured. It’s just wrong and we need to acknowledge that and repent of our weakness.

***

Question:

What’s on your mind right now? Having read chapter 2 and this reflection hat do you need to place before God as you seek His forgiveness?

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, forgive us today for all of our transgressions. Refresh us once more and lead us back to the paths of righteousness by the blood of Your Sone Jesus. In His name. Amen.