ROMANS 2:2-4 ACCORDING TO TRUTH Strangely it is not uncommon for self-righteous people to pass their own judgment, based upon their own selves, on other people. It seems by nature we are blind to our own sins and sinful condition but easily see the condition of others. The Holy Spirit brings conviction of sin, righteous- ness and judgment and will not overlook what the self-righteous person thinks of himself. It may have been, as some say, the Jews thought they would be exempt from the judgment of God because they were a chosen nation. They thought only Gentiles would be judged by a righteous God according to truth.
It is very important that we all, whether Jews or Gentiles, realize the judgment of God is according to truth, not nationality, culture or religious creed. Any person who thinks they are important and does not face their own sin as a repentant sinner, will find themselves judged by a righteous God, just like all other men. God is a God of truth and therefore must judge according to truth. All the facts, the acts and the motivation behind them are known to God. He who knows the "thoughts and intents" of every heart as well as the deeds, needs no witnesses, or jury, or opinions from men. Those who judge others do not seem to understand that God's goodness to them is to bring them to repentance themselves.
God's goodness preserves us, provides for us and protects us. It withholds disease, danger and even death from us. To despise that goodness endangers one who persists in following their own self-interests. God does not unleash His wrath against sinners immediately because of His goodness and forbearance. To despise the goodness, forbearance and long-suffering of God, places the self-opinionated, ungrateful person under the wrath of God when His forbearance is finished. These things were all granted to us to bring us to repentance that we might turn from being self-centered, judgmental people to humble repentant sinners who gladly accept God's gracious salvation.
The judgments of God are always according to facts. There will be a righteous reward of both motives and acts. To look on others in self-righteous judgment means God judges that - With righteous judgment that is according to truth.
Behind the actions and plans of every human being, Are motives that are not hidden from God who is all-seeing. He knows our intentions and all their secret meanings - And will judge with judgment according to truth.
Man's heart is deceitful and wicked by nature. We're not qualified to make judgments on our fellow creatures. But there is coming a time arranged by God in the future - When He will judge according to truth.
God displays His interest in men by His actions of goodness. He meets our needs from the bounty of His fullness. All those provisions He had made for us will each bear witness - To God's judgments according to truth.
To despise His goodness is one thing, and His forbearance is another. His longsuffering in spite of willful sin we thought was well-covered, Will not keep the self-righteous sinner from God's justice either - Because God's judgment is according to truth.
The kindness of God begins with His "goodness" that shows. His "forbearance" is exercised even though evil still grows. And His "longsuffering" still waits as farther away mankind goes -
Until God's judgment is according to truth.
"Holy God. my Gracious Father, it is with great relief I think of Thy grace and forgiveness. May I never act in self-righteous judgment on others, even though there is a tendency to do so. Give me the wisdom and common sense to know when to keep silent and also turn my mind to Thee instead of what others do or don't do, In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."