Do not Judge – Romans 2:1-11
Romans 2:1-11
Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things. But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things. And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things, and doing the same, that you will escape the judgment of God? Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, who “will render to each one according to his deeds” : eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness—indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek; but glory, honor, and peace to everyone who works what is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For there is no partiality with God.
Whilst there is no doubt more we could take from all of these verses, I think the key message is this – do not judge!
It’s quite simple really – If you are without sin – go ahead and judge (you might want to read John 8:3-11 first too). But, all have sinned (Romans 3:23 – yep, we will get there). So, since we are all sinners, when we judge another all we do is bring judgement to ourselves.
How then to apply this in our lives? I believe it’s simple – don’t take judgement on another person. You can have knowledge – you might know something someone has done (eg, stealing, adultery, slander, etc) – but it is not for you to judge. It is not for you to condemn. You do not know all the circumstance, you do not know the persons heart, and you do not know what work God is doing in their lives. I am not justifying any of these things- sin is sin – but quite simply, God is God, and the rest of us are not. Leave judgement to God, lest we suffer for it.
For me, this means to say ‘God will deal with them’ – I can pray for the person, if it’s something that needs to be confronted – I can confront the issue (eg, 1 Corinthians 5:11), especially if they claim to be a Christian – but it is still not my place to call down Judgement.
I know this sounds slightly confusing – it does to me too – but I think this summarizes it. We are sinners – and it is only in acknowledging our sin first that we can recognize the sin in others – and then have to say ‘God will deal with them as He see’s fit’ – rather than us pass judgement ourselves. We truly have no idea of the persons heart, and where God is wanting to take them, or what work he is already doing in their lives. So leave it to Him, cause he knows best 
Lord God, I pray that you will help us to see our own faults and seek forgiveness, and teach us not to judge others, but pray for them and leave them in your keeping. In Jesus name. Amen.