Treasuring Up Wrath

Church of the Nazarene in Abidjan. May all of our churches be a “Temple of Grace.” 

Scripture:

Therefore you have no excuse, whoever you are, when you judge others; for in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, are doing the very same things.

(Rom. 2:1 NRSV)

Observation:

Paul is connecting his conversation in the first chapter by speaking about a Jewish leader. This was a very religious person who was in a position of passing judgement on others, and as a result, must be extremely careful. Sometimes judgement was passed along with prejudice toward the Gentiles, or others who may not have been a part of the judge’s inner circle. Excusing their own behaviors, they condemned others for their sins. However, the warning is to be heeded, for God is going to judge everyone by their real and genuine character. 

The problem with the religious judge was that he had a hard heart and was not willing to see his own short-comings. They were the ones who were “treasuring up wrath,” just waiting to pour it out on others. 

The section ends with the following:

Or do you despise the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience? Do you not realize that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? But by your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed. For he will repay according to each one’s deeds:

(Rom. 2:4–6 NRSV)

Application:

I’m afraid that there are some within religious circles who are treasuring up wrath both for now and later. Embracing the role of righteous judge can be enticing. It’s always easier to point out the faults of others than to embrace our very own. 

You have to keep reading this passage to understand where Paul is taking us on this journey. God’s kindness and patience with us is intentional, leading us to repentance. In other words, God does not shower us with wrath when we are struggling in our sin, but instead shows us kindness, forbearance and patience. 

If we are to be like Christ, then that is the way in which we are to respond as well. As soon as we think that we are to “treasure up” and unleash our wrath on another person, look out, because God’s wrath will eventually come down upon us with great fury. We will be repaid by God in the same way that we respond to others. 

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for your patience and kindness with me when I fail. Amen.