Despising God's Goodness: The Judge Who Condemns Himself

Paul addresses a particular sinner in Romans 2:4—one who judges others for transgressions he himself commits. This man holds his candle at the door to inspect his neighbors while leaving his own room dark. He presumes upon Elohim's patience, thinking he shall escape judgment in the future, and therefore despises the present goodness and longsuffering of the Most High.

Consider what this unregenerate man has experienced. In temporal things, God has granted him wealth, health, a happy family, and protection from a thousand evils. In spiritual things, he dwells in the very focus of Christian light—the Word of God sits upon his table, earnest preaching fills his ears, and the Holy Spirit has striven with him until he trembled on the brink of conversion.

Yet he despises this mercy. His sin consists partly in thoughtlessness: Elohim has indulged him with kindness, yet gratitude never occurs to him. He has rendered no service to his Maker, nor even contemplated doing so.

But consider who displays this longsuffering. Think of God's omniscience—every transgression committed in His very presence. Think of His power—the wicked heart would cease to beat if He withdrew His sustaining hand. Think of His purity—sin is far more intolerable to Him than to us. How many years has this man heaped up transgression? Yet he remains on praying ground, on pleading terms with God. This patience ought to lead him to repentance, not presumption.