A Judgmental Heart
Read: Romans 2:4-11
Verse 5 reveals what causes people to judge others - “But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart.”
Verse 4 reveals what leads people to repentance - “the goodness of God leads you to repentance.”
God alone is the perfect and impartial Judge (v. 6, 11). When we try to take His place, our judgments become harsh, rooted in irritation and pride. James 1:20, “for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God”. But when judgment is entrusted to Him, it is always right and redemptive. God is the only one who can render judgment accordingly—He is the perfect judge, for there is no partiality with God.
I remember a time when I was confronted with this truth at work. One of the patients I was caring for that day (who presented as very religious) was being ruthlessly demanding, impatient, and judgmental of others. I inwardly judged her for her hypocritical and religious behavior, the way she disparagingly treated me and my CNAs. Not long after my interactions with this female patient, another patient flew off the handle in a rage towards one of his roommates over a small disagreement and began bullying his roommate without reason, while the third roommate laughed and egged it on—my heart was indignant in the face of their thunderous and perverse behavior. It was insanity, the manic laughing and foul comments upset me deeply. I had tried to reason with them, to attempt to diffuse the situation, but it did not work—their rage turned on me. My heart felt like it was going to explode from the frustration, and all I could feel were the mutterings of judgment welling up inside me. I wanted them to pay the cruel female patient from that morning, and the raving trio at hand. I wanted them to get in trouble to get what I thought they deserved…
Then, without any effort on my part, conviction came out of nowhere and hit me like a truck. The Lord suddenly and supernaturally corrected my heart. Scriptures I had once read came flooding back, chasing away all my ridicule. I immediately recognized I was reacting with the very same spirit of judgment I resented in them. The Lord whispered His love for them and acknowledged that the things that upset me were definitely wrong, but not mine to deal with, at least not with irritation, judgment, and anger in my heart. The Holy Spirit reminded me that repentance is born out of His kindness, not from my anger or indignation (Romans 2:4). He showed me that behind outwardly unreasonable behavior often lies deep pain and trauma. My own heart needed softening—I was acting as though I were the judge, jury, and executioner. In that moment, I repented of my own hardness of heart. I had judged based on what I saw on the surface. I lost sight of the cross and had foolishly forgotten the immeasurable debt of my own that Christ bore on that very cross. The Holy Spirit, in His kindness, reminded me I, too, have been forgiven of things equally offensive in His sight. I confessed my hardness of heart and began to pray for my patients. And God turned things around! That hard-boiled old woman started smiling (🤯, I could hardly believe it lol), the chaos and mayhem trio finally calmed down, and I was left with a newfound compassion for each of them that day going forward.
Christ’s cross stands as proof that He alone is qualified to judge sin and extend mercy. Vengeance belongs to the Lord (Romans 12:19); I am called to show patience and keep my heart free from bitterness.
The Holy Spirit showed me that day that when I look at others through the lens of my own offense, I condemn myself. Romans 2:1, “Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself”. But when I look at them through the mercy I’ve received, I see people in need of the same kindness that drew me to repentance.
Prayer:
Lord, I come before You with a repentant heart.
Forgive me for every time I have wrongfully judged another.
You have forgiven me of so much; help me to forgive as freely as I have been forgiven.
Like David said in Psalm 51:4, “Against You, and You only, have I sinned and done what is evil in Your sight; so You are right in Your verdict and justified when You judge.”
Every offense is first against Your kingdom. You alone are the righteous Judge here.
I surrender my right to hold onto offenses and lay every judicial stone at your feet.
Your Word says in Romans 12:19, “Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘Vengeance is Mine; I will repay,’ says the Lord.”
Teach me to trust Your justice and not take it into my own hands.
Forgive me for reacting to only a small part of someone’s story and thinking myself justified in my judgments.
Thank You for convicting me and showing me a better way.
Soften the places in my heart that have grown hard and store up resentment.
Shape my heart to be more like Yours—merciful, tender, and not impenitent in any way.
I surrender my thoughts, my reactions, and my sense of justice to You.
Have Your way in me, Lord.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Reflection Questions:
Heart Posture Check:
When I’m provoked or offended, what does my first reaction reveal about the posture of my heart—tender and trusting God, or hardened and quick to judge?The Lens I Use:
Do I tend to look at others through the lens of my own offense and expectations, or through the mercy and kindness that Christ has shown me?Trusting God’s Justice:
In what areas of my life am I still tempted to “take justice into my own hands” instead of entrusting the situation—and the person—to God’s perfect and impartial judgment?Compassion vs. Condemnation:
How might remembering that behind outwardly unreasonable or hurtful behavior there is often pain or trauma change the way I respond to difficult people?Living the Mercy I’ve Received:
If repentance comes through the kindness of God (Romans 2:4), what practical steps can I take to extend that same kindness—especially toward those who seem the hardest to love?