Romans 2:1-4
1 “Therefore you have no excuse, you foolish person, everyone of you who passes judgment; for in that matter in which you judge someone else, you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things. 2 And we know that the judgment of God rightly falls upon those who practice such things. 3 But do you suppose this, you foolish person who passes judgment on those who practice such things, and yet does them as well, that you will escape the judgment of God? 4 Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and restraint and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?”
In all of chapter 2, Paul is expressing the true standard of the law, a standard that no person on Earth achieves. This is why Paul makes it painfully clear that all Jews and Gentiles fail the law. Therefore, there is no place for judgment of other people. When we judge others, we “think lightly” of God’s kindness by not extending this kindness to sinners in need of salvation. Paul wanted his readers to know that God’s kindness leads to repentance, not harsh self-righteous judgment. Judgment. We don’t need to balance God’s kindness with judgment: If we want people to know the hope we have, we must offer kindness.
