Who can judge?

There will be glory, honor, and peace for everyone who does good"

Romans 2:10

Paul shares with Rome about the judgement of self and others. But ultimately the judgment of God. Judgement can at times be a harsh word, a word that makes you think of the negative. Instead you can use this word to remind yourself that everyone struggles, that you do not know what others go through, or what their trials are. God's judgement has been spelled out throughout the bible, but more than that His undying love for each person.

"To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality, he will give eternal life. But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger." Romans 2:7

Experiencing depression and anxiety is a full time job for some. It has been described as constantly having to pay attention, work, focus, prepare, plan, and manage symptoms. This full-time job is often partnered with real full-time jobs, and the everyday necessities of life. God's love for each and every one of you does not depend on how well you carry your load. Rather, His love for each and every one of you depends on how you turn to Him no matter what your load consists of. Recently I saw a picture that said: Even though I make it look easy, does not mean that it isn't hard.

Judgement when it comes to depression and anxiety looks different for everyone. It may be how you judge yourself against your life when you were not battling these feelings. It may be how you perceive the world's view of yourself. It may be the comparison that you get caught in, comparing yourself to others who look put together, but could just as equally be battling similar struggles. While judging based on the experiences visible to others, you are reminded in Romans chapter 2 that He will judge your thoughts. Depressed and anxious thoughts, are not always pleasant. They are sometimes: dark, scary, uncomfortable, uneasy, unsettling, frustrating, etc. But these thoughts are the symptoms of the depression and anxiety. They are not the individual. In holding true to the promise of God: In being faithful in doing good, as He sees it, not in how you see it, He will hold true to you too. "There will be glory, honor, and peace for everyone who does good" Romans 2:10. And for those who do evil "there will be trouble and distress for every human being that does evil" Romans 2:9.

The question is: why does depression and anxiety happen to those who are right in seeking Him? It may be that there is more to come. There is more growth. The answer is not a simple yes or no response. It is not as simple as saying if you seek God, He will make your life easy. You are not rewarded by your deeds, but by your faith. And while depression and anxiety might at times attack your faith. The reward is actually in knowing that He will love you, even when under that attack. He will judge you by your turning away from Him (this would be classified as sin), more than He will judge you by your overwhelming feelings and thoughts.

As a loving Father, He knows that you are not perfect. He knows that you will have moments that would rightfully judge you harshly. You will do things, and think things that deserve anger and wrath. And yet, as a loving Father, He still calls you closer to Him. He still loves you for who you are, despite these things. No way are you deserving of it. But He gives it to you anyway. "For God does not show favoritism" Romans 2:11.

Scripture:

Romans 2:7

Romans 2:10

Romans 2:9

Romans 2:11

Questions:

How have you been judging yourself? Others?

We often judge what we "see" in others, how might this change when we "understand" them?

Read Romans 2: 1-4. What does "God's kindness is intended to lead you to repentance" mean for you and those around you?

Prayer:

Father God, as I reflect on the words that Paul shared with us in Romans. I find myself recognizing that when experiencing brief moments of depression and anxiety I judge myself on the expectations I have for myself, or the expectations I think that others have for me. Yet I am reminded that you only ask that I come to you, that I have faith in you, and that I do your will. Lord, you want a relationship with me whether I have it all together, or I am falling apart. I pray for eyes that see what you see in others. I pray that myself and others may find themselves less judging of that which they do not know or understand. Lord I ask that your kindness can lead me closer to you, and further from judgement. I know that I struggle. I know that in this struggle the answer is to come to you. I pray for the directions to seek you and be present with you. I pray this in your son's name. Amen.