Judge "Me"

I think most of us have heard that judging others is a sin. Of course, it is not that big of a sin, right? It is probably on the order of sneaking a quick glance at the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue on the magazine rack, right? Well, I hate to say it, but from what I read this morning it seems like it is a big deal to God.

Check out Romans 2:1-5:

Therefore you have no excuse, whoever you are, when you judge others; for in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, are doing the very same things. You say, "We know that God's judgment on those who do such things is in accordance with truth." Do you imagine, whoever you are, that when you judge those who do such things and yet do them yourself, you will escape the judgment of God? Or do you despise the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience? Do you not realize that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? But by your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath, when God's righteous judgment will be revealed.
(Romans 2:1-5 NRSV)

Whoa! This says that when I judge someone I "despise the riches of his [God's] kindness" and that I am "storing up wrath" for myself. That sounds pretty serious. Considering this, maybe I should give my brothers and sisters some slack and leave the judging up to God who is able to judge in "accordance with truth."

This post also appears on Digitial Devotion.