But you are so stubborn! You refuse to change. So you are making your own punishment greater and greater. You will be punished on the day when God will show his anger. On that day everyone will see how right God is to judge people. He will reward or punish everyone for what they have done.
Some people live for God’s glory, for honor, and for life that cannot be destroyed. They live for those things by always continuing to do good. God will give eternal life to them. But others are selfish and refuse to follow truth. They follow evil. God will show his anger and punish them.
He will give trouble and suffering to everyone who does evil—to the Jews first and also to those who are not Jews. But he will give glory, honor, and peace to everyone who does good—to the Jews first and also to those who are not Jews. God judges everyone the same. It doesn’t matter who they are. (Romans 2:5-11 ERV)
When I hear people complain about the judgment of God, they'll speak of it as unfair or harsh. It's like children saying "it's unfair" when disciplined, after they knowingly choose to disobey their parents. God warns us first through those who care about us. This could include parents, siblings, good friends, counselors, or anyone else who genuinely cares for us.
Our conscience also warns us when we are crossing a line that brings certain consequences. But there comes a time when we may choose to not listen to those who care best about us, and ignore our conscience. We become numb to what is right, good, and true. We choose our own way, even though the consequences increase.
But isn't God unfair, if He judges the Jews before the non-Jews (Gentiles)? The Jews received the Law of God first. It is taught to them at an early age. But this isn't favoritism, it is accountability. All humanity will be held accountable for their lives, and for their choices. There is no favoritism with God. He is just. It is our choice to seek Him and His will, or seek our own way.
Thankfully, God is also merciful and gracious! So, when we choose Him and His will over our own selfish ways, we don't fear judgment. Why? Because we have entrusted our life to God—the One who judges fairly. ©Word-Strong_2015