SCRIPTURE
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? Rom 2:4
DEVOTIONAL
Jesus said, “Repent for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” (Matt 3:2). Repentance is part of preparing and widening the road for the kingdom of God to come. We see in Romans 2:4 that God's kindness leads us to repentance. Through his kindness and grace towards us, we are empowered to reject anything less than what God wants for us, turn, and grab hold of His higher ways.
God wants to bring us into wholeness. He wants to get us back into the reality of what we were created for, of who we were created to be, his children, who are also named Kings and priests. God’s beauty is superior to anything this world has to offer. When we glimpse His beauty, holiness, and the superior wisdom of His ways – and see ourselves in the light of his truth, the natural response is to repent.
Now, of course, part of repentance is painful. It requires ownership of our actions. There is grief in repentance. We sadden God with our harmful choices. We may experience real consequences when we sin. We deeply wound others and ourselves when not walking in the light.
But as children of God, repentance is not intended to be frightening. As God’s beloved, we are not coming before a harsh judge. We are coming before a loving father who has been waiting and watching to take our destructive and distracted choices and replace them with a more life-giving way.
As a son and daughter, we are given access to the throne where we may repent of our sins. As kings and priests, we stand in the gap for others. In taking our place for others, we bring the Kingdom Of God nearer to them.
QUESTION
Again Romans 2:4 reads, “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?”
What might change in you, in your relationships, and in your daily choices if you caught a more extraordinary glimpse of the kindnesses of our Lord?
As you ponder the riches of his kindness and patience, what do you want to change? What do you want to repent of?
PRAYER
God, show us the riches of your kindness toward us so that we might know where we are choosing so much less than what you have for us and where we are grieving you with our choices. Ever draw our hearts into repentance with your kindness. And let us bring your kingdom to earth by showing your kindness and patience to those around us so they might be drawn to your kindness and turn to you.