Good morning. Continuing in the book of Romans. I am going to quickly go through some of this and paraphrase things. Even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God, but became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper. And although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them. Of course all of this perfectly describes the world that we live in today. People have become a God unto themselves. Anything you can imagine, it's OK to do. And maybe I would not do what you're doing, but it is super great that you are doing it. One may think that I am only talking about the people of the world. But sadly it is also some Christians. Even though they may not be doing things that are as bad as the people of the world, they are still doing things that are not right. Then you get some legalistic Christians who are always judging others. They look for excuses to condemn others; especially those in the body of Christ. I am more righteous than you. And even if they are right, they are doing it with the wrong attitude. And sometimes it turns out that those who are condemning the loudest secretly do the same things themselves. Perhaps they think they will atone for their own sins if they condemn others. They should remember that it was "the kindness of God that led them to repentance". They should leave the judgment up to God. I used to be critical of people who could not control their children, until I had one I could not control. Not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law will be justified. You could replace the word law with 'the word of God', and it would be true in the church also. It's not just hearing the word, it's doing the word. Christianity is not a bystander sport. One needs to participate daily. And because the people of God do not practice the word then "the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you". We are all lumped together with them; and are called hypocrites. Our circumcision is that which is of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. Father thank You that the reader is a shining example to others. He/she's a good neighbor to them and shows the love of God. Help him/her to have an outstanding day.

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