Romans 2
ScriptureRomans 2:4Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?Observation - What does it say?Paul calls out the Christians in Rome who had been judging other people for sinning. The problem was they were judging them for doing things that they themselves were doing! He points out to them that by doing that they were disrespecting God and the riches of his kindness. His kindness isn’t supposed to lead us to judging others but to repentance!Understanding - What does it mean?When God shows you kindness, he intends for you to change.God is always after our character, molding and shaping us into the image of Christ. Every encounter with God should lead us to repentance and becoming more like him. Jesus demonstrated this truth time and again. He showed kindness to a lame man at the pool of Bethesda by healing him. And afterward told him:John 5:14 “See, you are well again. Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you.”At another time, the religious leaders brought a woman caught in adultery to Jesus, intending to stone her. Jesus showed her kindness and mercy, sparing her life. And afterward said:
John 8:11 “Go now and leave your life of sin.”
In each instance, Jesus extended great kindness to someone and then called them to repent, to change their mind about sinning any more.
Life ApplicationMeditate on the ways God has shown me kindness.Have I been judging others and quick to point out their sin? Or, has God's kindness led me to repentance? Are there still areas of sin I’m walking in that I need to surrender to him?
God, thank you so much for the kindness you’ve shown us! Thank you for saving me, changing me, and transforming my life! Forgive me for the times I pass judgement on others. Help us to walk instead in love and mercy. Holy Spirit reveal to each of us today any areas of sin you want us to repent of. We want to become more like you. Amen.
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