1 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. 2 Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. 3 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? 4 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?

"Those of you who think you are without sin " will be discussed later, but today Paul points out the double standard too many Christians use, and this too is condemned by God. Hypocrites are hated by the unchurched and Jesus also had His most stern words against them. Communion services are one public form for self-evaluation like the disciples asked of Jesus, “Lord is it I?” The typical American, who has some value system, believes they really haven’t done bad things deserving of God’s punishment. They are not atheists. They are not pagans. They believe in God. They may go to church, but even if they don’t they believe, in their hearts they think they won't be punished. The Lord will ask, “How can you compare yourself to others when you stand without excuse yourself for your sin?” The spiritual song says, “It’s not my brother, not my sister, but it's me oh Lord standing in the need of prayer. It’s me, it's me or Lord, standing in the need of prayer.“

God who knows all our actions, all our thoughts and all our lives, will open the books and say clearly, “in your heart you do the very things you accuse gentiles of doing. You are guilty.” There is this saying, ”When you point your finger at one person you are pointing three back at yourself.”

A number of years ago, television evangelist Jim Bakker was front page news for his trial on the misuse of funds collected for his ministry. It also came out he admitted an affair with Jessica Hahn. Another TV evangelist, Jimmy Swaggert, called Jim Bakker a "cancer" in the body of Christ. He had a very judgmental and condemning attitude. A short while later Swaggert himself was in the news. It came to light that he had been visiting prostitutes.  You would think that someone who was indulging in this kind of sin, when asked to comment on another person's sin, would be a little more charitable. Why is it that we can be so judgmental when we are far from perfect for ourselves? He lost credibility. This was again apparent when over a year ago Ted Haggard, as president for National Association of Evangelicals, publicly condemned legislation promoting the homosexual agenda, however, he was visiting homosexual prostitutes.

Too often news reporters highlight ministers and ministries that are embarrassing the name of Christ because they abuse funds, become dictatorial, live lavish lifestyles, misrepresent and lie about their ministries and accomplishments, or are sexually involved outside of their marriage commitment. But people would rather look at the sins of others instead of their own. I see that often in marriage counseling. The spouse will quickly point out the fault of the other, but when they are on the hot seat, they quickly justify their behavior by comparing it to the other person. 

Paul's question comes back, "Do you suppose when you pass judgment and do the same things, that you will escape the judgment of God?"

We have said our society is morally drifting downward, but refuse to see it in the church! Our own sins have changed the way we see things. We don’t see things properly. We can rant and rave all we want about the godless society that won’t allow prayer in the schools, but we can’t get people to come to prayer in the church. We can howl at immorality on the screens and on TV, but what about the epidemic pornography used in secrecy?

Some claim how bad divorce rates are climbing every year, but church men are being arrested for abusing their wives and children ending up in jail. God takes away that blanket of secrecy and says “I don’t listen to what you say. I watch what you do and what I see stinks. You too are full of sin. You judge others for the very same things you do." I Peter 4:17 “the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God.”              

God doesn’t get involved with the comparison game and has set the standard of the law.

Application:  What might God see in your life that you are hiding from others? Are you without excuse?

Prayer:   Father, more than anything, give me a heart of mercy and love so strong that I will not be led to judging others.   

Dale