Tolerant

Text: Romans 2:1-6

Theme: God is tolerant; therefore we can be too.

Key verses: “You may think you can condemn such people, but you are just as bad, and you have no excuse! When you say they are wicked and should be punished, you are condemning yourself, for you who judge others do these very same things” (v. 1). “Since you judge others for doing these things, why do you think you can avoid God’s judgment when you do the same things? Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you?…Can’t you see that this kindness is intended to turn you from your sin? But because you are stubborn and refuse to turn from your sin, you are storing up terrible punishment for yourself…He will judge everyone according to what they have done” (v. 3-6).

What God said to me: Son, I am God. There is no other like me. I do whatever I please. I am just. I only do what is right. I am trustworthy, keeping all of my promises and never failing to do what I say I will do. I am omnipresent, hearing every thought you ever think and seeing every deed you ever do. I know the motives of your heart and your deepest desires–good, bad and ugly. I am the God who saves you and keeps you and loves you with an everlasting love. I am God. In chapter one Paul said to worship me. In chapter two he is saying don’t judge others who don’t worship me. Beware you keep a check on your own life and intentions and actions first and foremost. I am wonderfully kind, tolerant and patient. However, if you refuse to acknowledge your sins and turn your wicked ways, I will punish you and judge you too. There are no exceptions. True, you will stand before my Son at the Judgement Seat of Christ. True, you will never hear, “Depart from me; I never knew you.” True, you will live forever with me in the New Jerusalem. But still, you must give an account for every deed done in your body. One one life soon will pass. Only what’s done for Christ will last. The rest will burn up as wood, hay and stubble. Be tolerant, kind and patient with others, Dwayne. I assure you I am with you.

What I said to God: Holy Father, what a privilege it is to be still and quiet before Your presence. You are truly the God who made the heavens and the earth. You are the Creator of all good things. I acknowledge You today in all my ways. I am desperate without You. Thank You for being so incredibly patient, tolerant and kind to me these many years. I am blessed beyond measure in every way. Forgive me when I take my blessings and Your love for granted. Forgive me when I see the faults in others but fail to see those same faults in me. By Your grace, help me be tolerant of those who don’t worship You, who don’t acknowledge You or seek to follow You. If not for the grace of God, there go I. Help me never forget that profound truth.