God “will give to each person according to what he has done.” 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, here will be wrath and anger.

Romans 2:6-8

God’s judgment of Jew and Gentile alike was based on whether or not God’s will was being done. It was based on impartiality and truth. Possession of the law did not give the Jew an advantage over the Gentiles. According to Paul, God is an impartial judge who rewards each person according to his or her works. Jews who sin while possessing the law were judged by that standard. Gentiles not under the law were judged by their conscience.

We are not under the law, but under grace. On this side of the cross, the key to escaping judgment is a matter of the heart worked out by evidence of a new life. Does your heart defy you by your words? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. (Matthew 12:34) Each day it is good to do a “heart check.” I do this by reviewing my day and observing how I responded to daily stresses, to concerns of others, to my children, my friends. It is easy to see what is in my heart when I observe what I have said or how I have behaved. Proverbs 4:23 warns us to guard our hearts: Above all else, guard your heart, for it is a wellspring of life. Are you willing to have the Lord examine your heart today and ask for His forgiveness for every careless word or action that denied His love to others? He is a just judge who will not condemn but forgive.

Heavenly Father,

Forgive me today where I have spoken harshly to others. My heart is transparent before You and You alone know how to perform spiritual heart surgery. Guard my heart, O Lord, and fill me with Your love for others. Thank You that You are a just judge, giving me mercy I do not deserve.

In Jesus’ name, Amen