Our scripture today is Romans 2:1 (ESV).
Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things.
Paul has not visited Rome as he writes this, but he knows the Christ community there is made up of Jews and Gentiles. He addresses them both in a way that teaches none of us are without blame. While we may commit different sins, we all have fallen in one way or another. We compound this disobedience by trivializing our own sin and exaggerating that of others. While we are called to hold each other accountable, we must remember the responsibility to do so in love, not judgement.
Loving Lord, we are sorry when we judge others but excuse ourselves. Forgive us and send us to share the love that redeems us all. Amen.
