Begin with two minutes of stillness and silence before God.

It’s easier for me to see the struggles of others than to confront my own. This uncomfortable truth is something I hesitate to admit, but it’s real. Take a ride with me in my car, and you’ll see it firsthand. I’ll be quick to point out every mistake other drivers make, yet I won’t mention when I forget to yield or fail to signal. Bless my heart.

I don't think I’m the only one who finds it easier to spot the faults of others than our own. Romans 2 speaks directly to our tendency to judge. If we're honest with ourselves, we all do it. When reading through the list of sins in Romans 1, it’s easy to think of someone else who is living wrongly. But shouldn't we first be looking at our own hearts and actions? Shouldn’t we take verses 21-23 to heart?

“You, then, who teach others, do you not teach yourself? You who preach against stealing, do you steal? You who say you must not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? You who boast in the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law?” Romans 2:21-23

Self-awareness is rare but crucial for growth. When we’re self-aware, we can honestly evaluate our actions and recognize what needs to change. Self-aware individuals approach the Bible with humility, asking God to show them what they need to hear and change. They listen to the Holy Spirit, guiding them toward truth and the right path.

At the end of Romans 2, Paul talks about the "circumcision of the heart." It’s a heart issue—one that matters deeply to God. We can all work with God to circumcise our hearts, removing the obstacles that prevent us from living fully in His abundance. Through regular self-reflection, we can ask ourselves: Do my actions align with God’s ways? What do I need to stop doing? What should I start doing? What needs to change?

As we allow God to shape us, we begin to reflect His image more and more. While we won't achieve perfection, we will start to mirror Him to a broken world. And what does God think of that? Let’s close with this verse:

“On the contrary, a person is a Jew (God’s chosen people) who is one inwardly, and circumcision is of the heart—by the Spirit, not the letter (of the law). That person’s praise is not from people but from God.” Romans 2:29

Lord God, remind us to take our own pulse, to check our own hearts, before we look at the hearts of others.

Take two minutes to reflect in silence.

Reflection:

• Use the S.O.A.P. Method to study God’s Word.
• SCRIPTURE: What stands out to you in today’s passage?
• OBSERVATION: What is this text saying? What is the context? How does it fit with the verses before and after it? Are there any commands, instructions, or promises? 
• APPLICATION: How can you apply this verse to your life? What does this mean today? What is God saying to you? 
• PRAYER: Respond to the passage in prayer. Ask God to help you apply this truth to your life and spend some time listening to what He may be telling you.