Romans 14:10: But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
Paul twice uses the term “brother” to emphasize the unity that “weak” and “strong” Christians have. He is saying in effect, “Stop trying to be God to one another. You ‘weak,’ why do you pass judgment on your brother? You ‘strong,’ why do you look down with contempt on your brother? Remember, all of us are going to stand before the Bema, the judgment-seat of Christ. There your works as believers will be judged. There God will judge your motives.” As Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 5:10, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.” 1
Application
- Do not become critical of your brother, who really has nothing to do with your own inner battle. Do not blame others for your own failures. Ask God to teach you how to become more steadfast and less reckless.
- God is the One who we are accountable to. We should bring our contempt before His throne of grace and ask for forgiveness and mercy.
Prayer
Lord, help me to see that my own wicked heart is the real problem, and not my brother’s heart.
1. Hughes, R. K. (1991). Romans: righteousness from heaven. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.